A CHANCE encounter at school sparked a lifetime’s dedication to cricket for Sue Barlow.

The Stockton Heath resident was named unsung hero of the year at the Warrington Sports Personality of the Year contest.

Sue manages and runs (among other things) a range of teams at Appleton Tigers Cricket Club.

But it was an experience when she was at school which led to a later love for the game.

“When I was at junior school, a friend and I said we wanted to play cricket.

“We were told we could practice but couldn’t play and that sunk our dream,” she said.

So when her daughter Emma asked to get involved, she was not going to let it happen again.

And Emma was there on the night to see the award – only without Sue who was on holiday.

To make the moment special, she decorated the house in order to let her mum know she had won.

At 62 Sue still plays for the Tigers, which won three trophies this year but it’s her role running the under 15s, 13s and 11s sides which has been recognised in the award.

And she is passionate about junior cricket.

She said: “We have attracted a lot of girls from a lot of backgrounds, and we really want anyone to be involved, irrespective of ability.

“We emphasise that girls can start from scratch and give it a go.”

The club has been to schools in the area to encourage girls to try the game and Sue is even helping the other seven clubs in the Cheshire league to open junior sections in a further bid to expand the game.

The club begins winter training in January.

If you are interested in taking part call Sue on 265738.

Short-listed nominees in this category