FORMER England international cricketer Neil Fairbrother made a special appearance in Grappenhall's 125th anniversary match on Sunday.

Left-handed batsman Fairbrother, who started his career at Grappenhall and went to play for Lancashire and his country, was part of Nick Sharp's Legends XI during Sunday's match.

Sharp's side beat Neil Titchard's representative side by eight runs in front of a large crowd.

Grappenhall's first team were knocked out of the Twenty20 Cup by Burnage and also lost their Cheshire County Cricket League Second Division clash with Middlewich at the weekend.

Visitors Burnage completed their 20 overs on 200 for 6 in a high-scoring cup game on Monday and a slow start to their reply eventually cost Grappers.

Ron Hart hit 58 and captain Will Sharp smashed 76 not out but the hosts finished on 188 for 8 to lose by 12 runs.

That loss followed Saturday's 50-run league defeat at home to Middlewich.

Richard Hudd took 4 for 31 and Ian Jackson collected 3 for 46 as the visitors were bowled out for 206 and Grappers, who host Bredbury St Marks on Saturday, made a rocky start to their run chase.

Early wickets fell but Luke McCoy made 34 and Nick Sharp struck 35 to give Grappers hope before they were dismissed for 156.

Grappenhall's second team clinched a 73-run victory at Middlewich's seconds.

Rob Slater hit 84 runs and Ian Barnes went on the attack with an unbeaten 79 as Grappers declared on 249 for 3.

Andy Hards then took 4 for 29 and Matt Titchard weighed in with 3 for 32 as the home side were dismissed for 176.

The second team travel to Bredbury St Marks' seconds on Saturday.