John Littleproud cements himself as Toowoomba cricketing great

Milestone man: He has been part of some of Toowoomba cricket’s biggest moments and now ahead of his record 400th game John Littleproud is reflecting on his 30 years at the crease.

CRICKET: John Littleproud is set to play his 400th match for University cricket club this weekend.

Humble in nature and big in stature, the 51-year-old has cemented his legacy among the region’s cricketing fraternity.

Reluctant to talk about himself, Littleproud made sure to first credit his “lovely wife Helen” for her “ongoing support” during his playing career.

Having lined up for his club’s Reserve and A-grade sides for more than 30 years, Littleproud has certainly left his mark.

When reflecting on his time with the club, Littleproud spoke fondly of a few standout moments he’d experienced.

“When I played my 300th match, it happened to coincide with the grand final against Wests,” Littleproud.

“We were lucky to get the win due to some rain, and I also pulled my hammy (hamstring) so I didn’t really do anything at all.

“It was made more special as it was also the 300th match for my mate Jeff Mays.

“It was nice, and it was a good day.”

A few other moments also stand for the proud former president and University life member.

“Winning three premiership in a row with the reserve grade side was also pretty special,” he said.

“In hindsight I don’t think I fully appreciated at the time how important winning the A-grade title for the first time in the club’s history back in 1993/94 was.”

Having played cricket for almost his whole life, Littleproud started off his career in Chinchilla, where he played as a junior and a senior in their A-grade side.

A left handed bat and right arm spinner, even Littleproud isn’t still quite sure how this came about.

“I’m not sure why I bowl and bat with opposite hands, but I think I can put it down to my dad playing cricket that way, and me just copying him.”

Littleproud’s longevity and motivation to play is the result of his competitive nature and unbridled love for cricket.

“I would like to think that I have had a positive impact on the club during my time,” Littleproud said.

“At this stage of my career, I don’t go to training as much as I used to, I do enjoy getting down and chatting with the side when I can.”

Littleproud has amassed some truly impressive statistics in his time at the club.

Having been a top and middle order batsmen for most of his matches, he has scored more than 10,000 runs for the club.

“I never thought about scoring over 10,000 runs, but I guess when you play as many games as I have, you’ll get there eventually,” he said.

He has also been a steady wicket-taker during his time with a few scalps to his name.

“One thing I would actually like to accomplish before the end of my career is to take 100 wickets, then I can finally be called an all-rounder. I’m on 89 at the moment so I might do it,” he said.

Littleproud will become only the second player in the clubs history along side Robbie Phillips to have played 400 or more matches.

John Littleproud is set to play his 400th game for University Cricket Club.