BOWLS Victoria chief executive Graham Bridge has hailed Ken Gloster’s contribution to the sport ahead of the veteran bowler’s rescheduled 700th pennant game for Bendigo East.

The 89-year-old was due to reach the milestone last weekend against Harcourt.

But with all Bendigo Bowls Division matches being cancelled due to extreme heat, Gloster will now play his 700th this weekend in a division three contest at Golden Square.

Bridge, a former elite bowler and Australian singles champion in the 1990s, described Gloster as one of the best administrators and volunteers he had encountered in his long association with bowls.

"Ken's been the voice of bowls in the Bendigo area for more years than I can remember, doing his weekly spot on WIN TV, as well as a great bowler and administrator and a volunteer at club and division level,” he said.

"He's a no-fuss man, what you see is what you get. 

“He's a friend to everyone, and he's very selfless - always putting others before himself, and he holds the game of bowls in high esteem.

"As a bowling volunteer and an administrator, Ken's set a very high bar that many others will try to reach. Many others would aspire to be like Ken. Not a lot would fit the brief. 

“He's one of the best administrators and volunteers I've ever seen."