The 63-year-old will officiate in his 226^th club firsts match, beginning with day one of the two-day clash between Napoleons-Sebastopol and Ballarat-Redan on Saturday.

Bedford will surpass the mark set by Neil Maddern, which he equaled last season.

It is fitting for Bedford to reach the milestone in a game involving the Two Swords, which he recalls was one of the sides involved in his first game of A-grade cricket.

Bedford, now in his 21st season in the job, said it was a surprise to be told he was about to eclipse the record.

“I don’t count them. I just show up every week and do a job and I didn’t have a clue,” he said.

“I enjoy it. As long as you’re still enjoying it, that’s the main reason you go back out - same as the players.”