APPLETON women’s team’s first game of the season ended in an eight-wicket defeat to defending champions Chester.

Appleton scored 83 thanks to some fine hitting from Kim Challis, 16, and Annie Rashid, 18 not out.

Despite excellent bowling from Rashid, who conceded just nine runs in her five overs and took a wicket, Chester reached their target with half their overs to spare.

The junior girls’ team had more success, coming joint first in an under 13s tournament at Marple.

That involved several new clubs and was the first step towards establishing an all girls under 13s league.