Paul Bourke completed his final two years at Dubbo High School in 1973, a star in athletics, rugby league, and cricket. Months later, he found himself in the middle of the SCG in partnership with former Test Captain, Brian Booth.

The teenage all-rounder was recruited by the famous St George Club on the recommendation of former State paceman, Peter Leslie, who played in the High School Whitney Cup team with the prodigiously-talented Bourke.

“When I made my First Grade debut aged 18 in March 1974 at the SCG, my first batting partner was Brian. We batted together for about an hour on a damp, difficult wicket. I shall never forget that experience. I came in at 4/60 and Brian was a consoling figure at the other end, “ Paul recalled.

“He top-scored with 42 and I managed a hard-fought 14.

"I then played the next two seasons with him including the 1974/5 season when he scored 852 runs at 77.45, which was phenomenal for the time,” Paul recalled.

Paul is one of a number of Western Zone players who came under the mentorship of the batting star, wicketkeeper Nathan Pilon (Dubbo), Test fast bowler and commentator, Trent Copeland, as well as formed Parkes all-rounder and League captain-coach, Pat Rosser, who all pulled on the famous red-and-white cap made famous by the likes of Don Bradman, Norm O’Neill, Bill O’Reilly, Ray Lindwall, and Kerry O’Keefe. 

Nathan and Trent were both named in the St George Team of the Century.

“I served on the St George Committee when Brian was President in the 1980s and, in the last decade, we shared many conversations as we watched matches at Hurstville Oval. His daughter, Jenny, taught at Danebank Anglican School for a number of years with my wife, Debbie, and are still good friends,” Paul added.

Paul was eager to pay tribute to a truly great gentleman. 

“In all the time I have known Brian Booth, he has never started a conversation about himself or his deeds.

"He was the most generous, unassuming, and humble person I have met and his superb knowledge of sport and willingness to pass-on the traits of true sportsmanship, were great strengths.”

For the record, Brian Booth was born in Perthville, near Bathurst and played in the Astley Cup tennis and athletics teams for Bathurst High as well as leading the school’s First Eleven.

“Respect” is the word that comes from the lips and pens of all who had the privilege of meeting Brian Booth.

(Photo of Paul and Brian Booth at Hurstville Oval, Kogarah, the home of St George)