30/06/2026
The Commemorative Shield
Yesterday, 10 teams from Coolangatta Bowls Club faced off against Club Tweed for the right to wield the Commemorative Shield – a big, weighty and, in my opinion, pretty ugly trophy with an interesting history.
The story began in 1921 when the Tweed Heads–Coolangatta Bowling Club was established at Coral Street, Tweed Heads. As membership grew, it became difficult to operate as a single cross-border club, so in 1948 members voted to separate. The split took effect on 31 December 1948, with Coolangatta moving to Scott Street while Tweed Heads remained at Coral Street.
To preserve the friendship between the two clubs, the annual Commemorative Shield was born.
Yesterday marked the 77th running of the Shield. Unfortunately, Coolangatta went down 209–178, but while we'd all rather win, the day was about more than the result. It was another chance to celebrate a tradition that has brought the two clubs together for more than 75 years.
There was plenty of good bowls (and bad), lots of banter, the occasional friendly sledge and, of course, the all-important post-match sausage sizzle and drink.
Congratulations to Club Tweed on retaining the Shield. We'll be back next year to have another crack.
