Don Orr’s wicket record stood the test of time at Williamstown Imperials but was finally broken earlier this season.
Having been set in the 1960s, his tally of 527 wickets had been out of reach.
That was until late last year when Anthony O’Keefe passed the magical mark.
“It’s a bit of an honour,” O’Keefe said. “It’s taken a long time to get there.
“It’s something that has accumulated over a period of time.
“I was made aware of it last year… At the end of the year one of the guys said you are only one or two behind the record.
“Then my second wicket of the year I was able to take it.”
O’Keefe, who plays in the Imperials veterans team, said it was nice to get the milestone wicket at Fearon Reserve and playing with guys he had played a lot of cricket with.
His journey started back in 1990 and outside a few years when he was overseas has played with the Imperials since.
He’s played more than 350 games and pays tribute to his wife and kids for allowing him to commit to playing for so long.
Friendships are the most important thing that has come out of his career which has included captaining sides across the grades and being on the committee.
“The opportunities off the field are far beyond the opportunities on the field,” he said.
“Being involved in a local sporting club has influenced the type of person I’ve become over the years.”
O’Keefe said he continues to love playing the game.,
“I’m still playing and still staying fit,” he said. “I’m no spring chicken at 51.
“It’s a way to stay active and it’s with a good bunch of guys.
“It keeps me active also with my mental health which is a big part of it.
“They are my main motivators to keep playing.”
O’Keefe said he will keep playing for as long as the body will let him along with having the support of his family.
While Orr’s record stood since the 1960s, O’Keefe doesn’t think his will be in the record books for that long.
“Don’s played in a period that there was only a first XI, so his achievement is far beyond what I achieved,” he said.
“I’ve played quite a few first, second, third and fourth XI and veterans.
“You’ve got juniors and a lot more games are being played now.
“It used to be seven or eight games per season. It’s a minimum 12 or 13 games and add in T20 and rep games.
“I don’t think I’ll hold it anywhere near Don’s record.”
