Last Saturday marked Lakey’s 800th weekend pennant match for Learmonth, and the 83-year-old celebrated in style, taking club honours as part of the side’s biggest winning rink over Midlands in division seven at home.

However, more than one important milestone was reached last week, with the pair now boasting more than 1500 Ballarat District Bowls Division pennant matches between them.

Margaret, a member of six premiership teams for Learmonth, has 651 midweek and weekend pennant matches to her name.

Meanwhile Lakey, who has been part of seven Learmonth pennant flags, has also notched up more than 50 midweek matches in addition to his long-standing stint on the weekend scene.

Fellow Learmonth life member Paul Ryan said the duo’s achievements were “virtually unheard of” in BDBD circles.

“Both of them have represented Ballarat at regional level,” Ryan said.

Learmonth held a function for Lakey after his 800th last week, where he presented his wife with a medallion to thank her for 63 years of support during their marriage.

Lakey is now second on Learmonth’s all-time pennant games list. Keith Hacker, who holds the record of more than 900 games, was present to witness Lakey’s achievement.

Lakey has been bowling at Learmonth since 1965. He has achieved just about everything one can achieve in the BDBD, with singles, pairs, triples, 100-up and president’s handicap titles at Learmonth all part of his record.

He also has titles in singles, triples and pairs at BDBD country week level.

Wins in the BDBD pairs with Learmonth icon Graham Edwards, as well as premier division skipper Wes Lennecke, are achievements Lakey holds closest to his heart.

“He was one of the best leaders in Ballarat in his prime,” Ryan said.

Lakey has played most of his bowls in division one, but now spends most of his time mentoring Learmonth’s young brigade.

“He’s been on just about every committee and in every role bar president,” Ryan said.

michael.pollock@fairfaxmedia.com.au