EDINBURGH SHIELD COMPETITION 2023

This year the weather was atrocious, the players got soaked, but from the feedback I have heard there was still fun and good times. The games were played at Eaglehawk Bowls Club which is a suburb of Bendigo.

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Ian Golding writes;

On Friday April 14th a group of intrepid bowlers mostly DBC Members and seven vocal supporters set off to Eaglehawk, to represent the Doncaster RSL Sub Branch in the RSL Bowls Association annual Edinburgh Shield, a competition played by RSL Bowling clubs across Victoria.

The group had secured accommodation in Bendigo, 10 minutes up the road, and on arrival headed off to Eaglehawk for a practice session before hostilities commenced the following day.

Returning to the motel, our group of 22 gathered for a meal in the adjacent hotel dining room, where two long tables had been prepared and an enjoyable evening was had.

We arrived back at the bowling club at 8.45 am on the Saturday morning with the weather still holding but warnings in place. Things began to unwind on our arrival as we learned that the group of six clubs meant to take part in our section, had been cut back to five following a withdrawal. This then had been reduced by another two  clubs withdrawing, one on Thursday and one on Friday night.

It was a nightmare for the venue manager and for the club, as a lunch for over 100 people had been arranged. There was also a significant reduction in the bar takings. However a redraw of the event was done and a shortened version was played over the two days.

Prior to the lunch break the weather had been kind, but by early afternoon the rain began, and our game the one against Warrnambool, (who were the eventual winners) was called off. There was only a 1/3 of the game left to be played but most of the players were absolutely soaked to the skin.

On the Saturday evening a dinner booking had been made at a local pub and our group had a great night with good food, beer and wine along with plenty of laughs.

On Sunday we headed back to the green and were welcomed with a little sun and the fact that we would be moved from their very good grass green to the synthetic for the remaining games.

The sun is trying to break through

This did not present an obstacle as we were able to defeat Numurkah in the last game. We therefore drew level with Warnambool who surprisingly had lost their last game. Unfortunately however they had superior shots advantage and won the Section.

Given that our original player list had been reduced to 15 due to health and personal reasons including three of our top players, the result was a credit to those remaining and the included substitute.

The weekend is not just about bowling however, and as is usual with this particular event the excellent camaraderie which surrounds the whole group, ensured that a great time was had by all on and off the greens.

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Whilst those bowlers were playing in the rain, Ian’s “ vocal supporters”  were off seeing the sights in and around Bendigo. Over the two days various ladies went to the excellent Art Gallery to see the Australiana exhibition followed by lunch, another time others visited  the Chinese museum. Then there were those who went for walks and retraced childhood memories, or visited relatives  and their old school and Parish church and eventually ended up at a Sunday market.

All good use of a wet weekend.  Carpe Diem.

Thanks to Pauline Donovan for the photos.