HANGING Heaton's John Carruthers has become the 16th player to take 1,000 JCT600 Bradford League wickets in first-team matches.

The 44-year-old reached the landmark when dismissing Yeadon's Tariq Mehboob during his side's 108-run Division One win at Bennett Lane on Saturday.

Carruthers, who later claimed the wicket of Matthew Yeadon to wrap up his side's victory as he finished with figures of 3-28, was applauded from the field by club members and congratulated by all the Yeadon team.

Carruthers said: "Its absolutely fantastic. It has taken four or five years since coming back to Hanging Heaton but it has been very worthwhile to get the wickets. However, I feel the turnaround in the club is more important.

"I was in two minds whether I wanted to get wickets at Pudsey last week, because to achieve it at home and for us to get the win is perfect. I'd like to know how many players I've bowled in that time."

Carruthers, who passed the 900-wicket landmark in 2010, added: "My first Hanging Heaton wicket was at Manningham Mills, and to follow in the footsteps of some of the people who have reached 1,000 wickets is unbelievable.

"I wouldn't put myself in the same bracket as some of those players but fortunately I've been able to get there, and I am very proud to have done it."

The stalwart, who would have reached the landmark earlier were it not for playing for four seasons at Central Yorkshire League club Birstall (2006-09), added: "I've played with and against some very high-quality players, including Test and county cricketers, and I have enjoyed the challenge of bowling against some high-class players.

"I got VVS Laxman out when he was at Pudsey Congs but the player I always enjoyed getting out was Chris Pickles – but I enjoyed every wicket I've taken.

"The support from my wife and family has been magnificent. It would have been nice for my father to have been here to see it but unfortunately he passed away.

"Wouldn't it be fantastic if one of the junior players I am now helping coach and bring along, was to go on and achieve the 1,000 wickets, although I think it would be much harder now with the change in regulations and bowling restrictions."

Bradford League's 1,000-wicket men: Dennis Bateson, John Carruthers, Jack Douglas, Mike Fearnley, Peter Graham, Charlie Grimshaw, David Jay, Eddie Keighley, John Marshall, Richard McCarthy, Malcolm Naylor, L Powell, Phil Taylor, Paul Topp, Dennis Waterhouse, Percy Watson,