Carruthers celebrates 1,000 wicket milestone

Carruthers joins an elite list of bowlers to have achieved the four-figure feat in one of the country’s top leagues.

He reached the landmark when dismissing Yeadon’s Tariq Mehboob during his side’s victory over Yeadon at Bennett Lane.

Carruthers was inundated with messages of congratulations, with former teammates and opponents keen to pass on their well-wishes, while he was presented with the matchball from last Saturday’s game in the clubhouse following the match.

Carruthers, who is also cricket chairman at Hanging Heaton, 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 but I feel the turnaround in the club is more important.

“I was in two minds whether I wanted to get wickets at Pudsey (St Lawrence) 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.

He added: “My first Hanging Heaton wicket was at Manningham Mills and to follow in the footsteps on some of the people on the 1,000 wickets list 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.

“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.

“It would 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.”