Diggers Challenge Day

Historically RSL Service members selected to represent Victoria RSL at the National RSL Lawn Bowls Carnival would play against different Bowls Clubs as part of their preparation. In 2016 the committee established a Challenge Day tournament (an open fours competition). This tournament is specifically in preparation for the National RSL Lawn Bowls Carnival, to provide a training event for players selected to represent Victoria in April each year. The Tournament assists with team selections, skills development, player fit and teamwork. The first tournament in 2016, was held at Maribyrnong Park Bowls Club with 28 teams competing.

Eligible players must be financial members of Bowls Victoria

Duke of Edinburgh

Four tournament with five (5) games played across two days. A side consists of four (4) teams each with (4) players. Eligible players must be financial members of Bowls Victoria and financial RSL Service or Affiliate members. All teams must represent an RSL Sub-Branch established under RSL By Law 21 Sub-Branch Sporting Sections within the Bowls Victoria area.

History: The first tournament in 1954, was contested between four (4) Sub-Branches, namely Ballarat, Geelong, Caulfield Central and Caulfield Return Soldiers. Permission was given by the Royal family to name the perpetual Trophy the “Duke of Edinburgh Shield” and the first winner was Caulfield Return Soldiers.

Due to the efforts of Bob Tripp of Geelong, Leon Yates and Lindsay Lewis of Caulfield Central and Frank Craig of East Malvern, there were eight (8) Sub-Branches competing in Ballarat in 1960.

By 1970, it was evident to the Victorian RSL Lawn Bowls Association, that RSL bowls was growing rapidly and was creating problems regarding accommodation and playing venues, so in the late 70’s the committee decided to divide the competition into three (3) sections, to cater for 48 Sub-Branches to be involved.

In 1987, 66 Sub-Branches were members of the Association and competed for the prestigious Shield. In 2026 there were 71 eligible RSL Sub-Branches with 92 sides (over 1800 bowlers) competing for the Shield.

In the 71st year the perpetual shield for winners no longer has any spare room. In a wonderful act of generosity, that will ensure the tournament’s rich history continues to be honoured, Chas Buccilli and Michael Bowman from Inverloch RSL have donated a new perpetual shield that was presented to the 2026 winner. Our original shield is now an artifact loaded with decades of memories and will be housed and preserved at Inverloch RSL.

Victorian RSL State Triples

Two bowls triples. Round robin sections, three games played across four venues in Metro and Regional Victoria. Venue winners progress to the semi-finals to play for the overall state winner. Eligible players must be financial members of Bowls Victoria and financial RSL service or affiliate members.

Regional and Sub-Branch Competitions

Social and RSL games are played through local RSL Sub-Branches. NorthWest RSL Bowls also coordinates regular social games with Sub-Branches in their area.