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10th ABCC SYDNEY CARNIVAL 1970/1971
SUBMITTED BY TREVOR VAYRO
The Queensland Squad travelled to Sydney on the Brisbane Limited Train and accommodation was arranged at the Coronation Hotel near Town Hall Station.
Five states competed in this carnival and the A.B.C.C welcomed South Australia. Victoria and Tasmania were accommodated near the Queensland Squad whilst South Australia had accommodation in a up-market hotel near the Harbour. South Australia had competed in an interstate series against a team from the then Royals of Melbourne, now known as Richmond. Because of the keen interest in blind cricket in South Australia, their state had applied to join the A.B.C.C.
After the welcome function held in a room at the Australian Rugby League Headquarters in Sydney, the opening ceremony was held at the grounds situated in a park at Canterbury. The Mayor of Canterbury welcomed all players and officials and the series was a single round with a two day final.
Queensland met New South Wales on the opening day and lost on the first innings after a very close match. Queensland drew a bye on the second day which was completely washed out. Therefore under the existing rules, eacdh State was allocated two points for the draw. Queensland met Victoria on the third day and lost to a very strong team under the new captain for their state, Bob Evans who had been appointed captain earlier that year. Queensland had success on the fourth day defeating South Australia on the first innings after going close to defeating this state outright. Terry Eagers had a field day with some outstanding bolwing supported by Bob Hodder in the partially sighted ranks. Queensland met Tasmania on the fifth day and won on the first innings. Victoria had won every match including an outright win against South Australia and New South Wales had won three matches and lost to Victoria. Therefore the two leading States were Victoria and New South Wales who met in the two day final.
The final proved to be an easy win for Victoria as their State had too much depth in their batting, ably supported by outstanding bolwing. Bob Hodder captained Queensland and he and Terry Eagers were the best players for our state in the carnival. New players making their debut to carnival cricket were Bob Rowley from Queensland and Bill and Stephen Jolley from Victoria. Best players for the carnival were respectively Bob Evans from Victoria and Mervyn Hine from New South Wales. Unfortunately Ivan Molloy did not compete in the carnival due to internal problems with their Management Committee and attended the carnival in the capacity as non playing team manager. Another player attending her first carnival was Joy Nelson who was soon to become Joy Forster and proved on of our keenest barrackers and supporters.
The Carnival concluded with the presentation of trophies and announcement of the second Australian Elven. Former international Cricketer and past President of NSW Cricket Association Alan Davidson attended the final function and met all players during the evening. All States agreed the carnival was a success with the inclusion of South Australia and the A.B.C.C would endeavour to have the remaining State of West Australia join our ranks. Until the next issue of the magazine, enjoy your cricket and I look forward to meeting you at Yeronga Park.
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