The three-point win, the Shoals sixth of the campaign, was set up by tries to Keiran Brandon (two), Tom Sims and Mark Brandon - with the latter adding three conversions and two penalty goals.

"Running out onto Rugby Park on Saturday and leading the boys out made me so proud," Shoals skipper Steven Brandon, who was playing in his fifth Digger Day, said.

"It's great we are able to give back, in a small way, to all the veterans and current service men and women

"It's always the biggest day on our club's calendar."

With a big crowd in attendance at Rugby Park and following the Last Post being played legendary local bugler Peter Williams and acclaimed violinist Rachel Bostok, the first grade match kicked-off.

"We started off the match really well, which has been a trouble area for us in past games," Steven Brandon said.

"In saying that, our defence was poor at the back end of each half, so we need to fix this moving forward, if we are going to finish the season on a high."

Related content: Digger Day 2019 continues the proud tradition of respect and excellence

In the three-point win, Steven Brandon highlighted the play of his two brothers Mark and Keiran, as well as Michael Dun and Daniel Hughes.

"To win on Digger Day means so much to everyone," Steven Brandon said.

"It's such a special day as numerous people from our club are serving or have served with the navy before.

"We know first hand the sacrifices all the servicemen and servicewomen make during their work and for our country."

Later in the day, Shoals second grade side lost 34-7 to the Cows, while the Vincentia Van Goghs ran riot in their third grade fixture, smashing the Southern Crushers 88-3.

Elsewhere in Illawarra Rugby first grade, Bowral edged Avondale 28-21, Shamrocks thumped Campbelltown 45-10, Camden defeated Tech Waratahs 41-22 and University ousted Vikings 27-10.

Shoals will hit the road next round when the take on Avondale on Saturday.