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13th A.B.C.C Adelaide Carnival 1976-77
Submitted by Trevor Vayro
This carnival would be remembered as one of many firsts. South Australia would host their first A.B.C.C Carnival since joining six years earlier; the carnival would be the first triple round with no final and for the first time approval was given at the Carnival Meeting for lady players to compete in carnival matches two years hence.
The Queensland Squad travelled to Adelaide by airline and accommodation was arranged at a hotel close by whilst New South Wales selected a motel in the suburban area. The Queensland Squad comprised nine partially sighted and six totally blind players.
Carnival President Malcolm Penn welcomed players and officials from the four competing States and called upon former Cricket Commentator Alan McGilvray to officially declare the carnival open. Alan met all players and officials and wished success to the competing states.
Over the next twelve days a total of eighteen matches would be played. Points were as follows: New South Wales totalled forty two points with Queensland second on a total of forty points. Queensland could be deemed to be most unlucky as the team was undefeated. However, in the opening match against South Australia failed to gain the outright win. The performance of Queensland was outstanding and if there had been a two day final, possibly Queensland would have won their first carnival.
Several new players competed in this carnival including Peter (Duck) Donovan so named for a Golden Duck in one of the matches. Malcolm Campbell made his debut to interstate cricket and also Jeff Usher. Best players for Queensland were Neil Campbell and Terry Eagers in their respective categories. These two players together with Mark Turner were also selected in the Australian Team named at the final function.
During any carnival there are always some highs and lows. One of the highlights was all players and officials meeting the State Governor of South Australia, former great Australian Rules Player Sir Douglas Nichols who was to become the first aboriginal person to hold this high and important position. On a sad note my wife Daphne's mother passed away and wife of former Victorian player George Jones. Players and officials observed a minute's silence in respect of the sad loss of these family members. The Adelaide Carnival would also be the last carnival for former Victorian player Ivan Molloy. Next carnival report in the next edition when players and officials travel for the Melbourne Carnival.