Emma's bowled over by cricket

AT 23, Emma Barlow is making a name for herself in the usually “men only” world of cricket.
All summer she has been turning out for Appleton men’s 4th XI – as well as skippering the Appleton women’s team.
She also plays for the Cheshire Women’s team – and is a qualified coach.
All this from a girl who only started playing cricket on the beach with her brother Jonathan,.when she was 14
When he joined Warrington Cricket Club she discovered the only local club with a girls’ team was Appleton so they went their separate ways.
Ironically he has now given up the game – but Emma’s hectic schedule means she plays six days a week in the season.
“I’m obsessed with it,” she admitted.
The former Bridgewater High School pupil gets plenty of support from her Mum, Sue, who although not a cricketer herself, manages the Appleton girls’ and women’s teams.
There is nothing in the laws of cricket, nor the rules of the Cheshire Cricket Alliance, to prevent women playing in a men’s team. It just doesn’t usually happen.
But when Appleton 4th XI found themselves short of players one week it was obvious they should look to the women.
Emma played fairly regularly during the summer, opening the batting on one occasion.
Two other members of the women’s team, Kim Challis and Amy Page, each played for the men once.
Emma said: “I enjoy playing cricket whichever team I am in. I have been accepted in the men’s team and at 4th team level there isn’t much difference.
“When I play for Cheshire I come up against women bowlers who are faster than the 4th team men, but at club level the pace is slower.
“I think women’s cricket is definitely on the up in Cheshire. More clubs are starting girls’ teams and entering sides in the women’s league.
“But I certainly hope to carry on playing in the men’s team as well.”
The Appleton women’s team, skippered by Emma, won the Cheshire Women’s League Twenty20 Plate competition, staged at Warrington’s Walton Lea ground.
Emma won the Cup Cricket batting award and team colleague Natalie Lyons won the Cup Cricket bowling prize.
Club captain David Hurst said: “I am delighted with the success of Appleton’s Women’s team which is down largely to the enthusiasm of Emma who leads from the front. The club is very proud of them securing their first trophy in 2008.
“In addition to captaining the Women’s team Emma also coaches Junior Girls and U11 boys. Her contribution to the continued success of Appleton Cricket Club cannot be over-estimated.
“A number of women played for our newly formed 4th XI in 2008. Appleton is the only club in Warrington fielding four League teams on a Saturday. If anyone is interested in playing cricket in a fun, friendly environment they will be made very welcome at Appleton.”
More details are available at the club website www.appletoncheshire.play-cricket.com