Called ’owzat but was charming (8)
I believe the answer is:
appealed
I believe this clue is a double definition.
'called 'owzat' is the first definition.
(to call 'howzat' is to appeal to a cricket umpire)
'was charming' is the second definition.
'but' is the link.
(Other definitions for appealed that I've seen before include "Took a case to a higher court for review" , "Begged - was attractive" , "attracted interest" , "Asked for" .)