Diggers president Peter Klein completes ultimate milestone for club

PETER Klein has achieved an honour for the Diggers club that is unlikely to be bested.

Northern Brothers Diggers president Peter Klein picked up his 700th wicket at Middle Ridge Park. Photo: Contributed

CRICKET: Peter Klein has been a loyal servant to the Northern Brothers Diggers over the course of his cricketing journey.

Recently he added an incredible feat and one that will struggle to be topped, notching his 700th career wicket for the club.

Currently serving as Diggers president, Klein said it was a blessing to be part of a great club.

“I was 24 when I moved from Wests to Diggers,” Klein said.

“I’ve played through all the grades and have been lucky enough to play with some really good teams.

“Playing in those teams gives you plenty of chances to take plenty of wickets and apply pressure with the ball.

“Guys have to take catches and the work the bowler at the other end does has made it a lot easier.

“It’s something I’m very proud of.”

Klein’s achievement came during a B-grade fixture against Southern Districts in his 22nd year of playing for Diggers.

Over that time he has notched 37 five-wicket hauls, bowled more than 3000 overs and played in 296 matches.

While Klein will let his body dictate how many more seasons he gets under his belt, he said he is still enjoying playing.

“It’s coming to an end soon, my body is starting to play up a bit,” he said.

“I may have one or two seasons left in me.

“I would love to play forever but unfortunately the body takes a few days to get over it each week.”

The feat prompted touching words from Grant Spies, who called Klein a legend.

“We have been privileged to see some legends play in our time,” he said.

“The likes of Johnathan Thurston, Cameron Smith, Glenn McGrath and Shane Warne.

“This bloke is ours.”

DIGGERS STILL IN SHIELD CONTENTION

Heading into round seven of the Harding-Madsen Shield, Northern Brothers Diggers remain an outside chance of bringing home the silverware.

Currently Diggers find themselves 10 points behind ladder leaders Laidley, who they take on in a must-win match next weekend.

They also sit 13 points ahead of third-placed Metropolitan-Easts, putting them in prime position for a spot in the Toowoomba A-grade final, which this year is played between the top-two local sides in the shield.

“They’ve got a very strong squad of 14 or 15 guys that are all capable,” Klein said.

“There’s good depth at the club.

“Unfortunately a few will be out with rep cricket this weekend (against Brothers), but they’re a good team.”

FIXTURES

Metropolitan-Easts vs Highfields-Railways at Harristown Park; Northern Brothers Diggers vs Brothers at Rockville Oval; University vs Western Districts at USQ; Laidley vs Southern Districts at Bichel Oval. Games at 10.30am, Saturday