The One Tree Hill Hotel has held its first ever Anzac Day two-up match despite receiving opposition from the Bendigo RSL.
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The pub in Spring Gully used the traditional wartime gambling game to raise money for the Castlemaine RSL.
"There's been great support on Facebook and Instagram," hotel co-owner Glenn Baldock said. "It's been a great support and we're very lucky to have past and present soldiers here today."
It is illegal to play two-up on any day of the year except Anzac Day. An organisation must receive official approval from the state RSL branch to host a match.
Mr Baldock said the One Tree Hill Hotel received permission earlier this month.
"We were rejected last year so that's why this year I wanted to follow Anzac House's protocol, which we did to a tee, and they awarded it to us," he said.
But Mr Baldock said on Tuesday the Bendigo RSL sent him an email saying he needed to pull down any material promoting the day because the Hotel was not allowed to host the event.
Mr Baldock said permission was only reinstated after he petitioned Member for Bendigo West Maree Edwards, defence force veteran Darren Wiseman, and Victorian RSL Brigadier Michael Annett.
"I didn't think the Bendigo RSL were the police of two-up," Mr Baldock said. "All we're trying to do is raise money for the RSL.
"We're not trying to take a piece of the pie. We're only trying to make that pie bigger and raise funds for the returned veterans."
Mr Baldock said all of the proceeds from the One Tree Hill Hotel two-up match would go to the Castlemaine RSL. Funds raised from a World War I memorabilia raffle and 50 cents from every beer sold would also be donated.
"It's about the past and present soldiers," Mr Baldock said. "It's sad that the Bendigo RSL was trying to monopolise the market for themselves.
"We wouldn't be harming their business at all but everybody here is happy and having a great day and that's what it's all about."
The Bendigo RSL declined a request for comment. The Victorian RSL Branch was unavailable.
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