St George “in between balls” with Damian Bourke
St George Cricket Club | August 02, 2023
We take the opportunity to catch up with some of our esteemed former first grade legends to find out more about them and their time with The Saints.
In this “in between balls” we feature Damian Bourke who midway through the 2015-16 seasons had scored an amazing 528 runs in 1st Grade and had only been dismissed once. Yes that’s right he was averaging 528 in First Grade
What year you were born and where?
1987, Darlinghurst Sydney
Can you remember your first game of cricket?
I can’t remember my first game but I remember the first time that I was graced by the great game. I was 7 years old and with a friend of mine (Ex Sainter Matt Gilmour) while he was at junior Cricket trials for the mighty Penshurst West Youth Cricket Club. I wasn’t doing anything and the Under 8’s were trialling in a different part of the field. I was asked to come and have a go and I fell in love with the game instantly and have been hooked ever since.
Tell us briefly about your cricketing journey?
I started as a 7 year old with Penshurst West Youth Cricket Club and played all of my junior cricket for the club. I played one year of Green Shield for Sutherland District Cricket Club and then my final year of Greenies with St. George before playing grade Cricket for Saints.
During my time playing grade cricket, I spent one season with Penrith Cricket Club and one season down in Tasmania with Lindisfarne Cricket Club who ex sainters Steven Cazzulino and Nathan Ellis played for.
What other sports do you play?
None at the moment but I have played Rugby League, Soccer & Tennis. These days I’m more into Triathlon type events.
What is your favourite sports movie or documentary?
I don’t have a favourite but a few notable mentions are Blindside, Remember the Titans, Coach Carter and Moneyball.
Who’s your favourite cricket commentator?
Ricky Ponting for his knowledge and insight and Damien Fleming for his banter and chat.
What’s the one thing about you most people don’t know about?
I have a vision impairment in my left eye.
How many years did you play at St George?
About 10 years of grade cricket.
St George Nickname?
Bourkey, although Porkey and Grimace were thrown about at different times due to my body fat percentage in my early 20’s and knack of getting run out.
Highest Level Played (St George or Representative including Jnr Level)?
First Grade
What’s your highest score in senior cricket?
204 Not Out for St George in 4th Grade against Mosman at Allan Border Oval.
What has been your best bowling figures in senior cricket?
6-38 again for Saints in a 4th grade match against Mosman.
If still playing, can you tell us which players in the club we should be looking out for in terms of higher representative honours?
I’m not still playing but if Andrew Walsh bowled off the right foot then I think he would have the potential to play for Australia.
Who has been the scariest bowler you have played against?
Burt Cockley. Contemplated kicking them over!
Who has been the best spinner you have played against?
Nathan Hauritz.
Who has been the best batsman you’ve played against?
Usman Khawaja. Pure class and he always looked like he had so much time.
Who has been your funniest St George team mate?
David Williams on a consistent basis. Never missed a beat.
Who was your childhood hero?
Cricketing wise it was Matthew Hayden.
Who are the three sports people in the world you’d most like to meet?
Matthew Hayden, Ricky Ponting & Roger Federer
Name some St George players you admire most in terms of skills and competitive spirit?
There are so many that I have played with that have tremendous skill and competitive spirit. Some that come to mind are Trent Copeland, Nathan Ellis, Andrew Walsh, Simon Chu, Daniel Magin, Ashton May, Graeme Rummans, Steven Cazzulino.
Greatest St George influence?
I have two. As a younger player Gary Crowfoot because he motivated everyone and instilled in me and the club a strong work ethic. Second would be Gavan Twining. In my later years, he was a mentor, sounding board and always gave me confidence in my abilities.
What do you enjoy most about playing cricket?
Just being in the game, whether it’s batting or bowling, I love the feeling of competing. Also the mates that I played with and the banter.
What didn’t you like?
Travelling to Bensons Lane.
What did you enjoy most about playing at St George?
Playing with close mates, putting on my St George cap and playing at Hurstville Oval.
What has been your most memorable moment in cricket?
From a team point of view, winning a competition in 3rd grade as a youngster was amazing. From a personal perspective, scoring my first ever first grade hundred and in doing so setting a club record partnership with Ashton May.
Editor’s note - Back in the season Damian virtually become a household name when Fox Sports latched onto the fact that midway through the 2015-16 season Bourke had scored an amazing 528 runs in 1st Grade which included a 170* including a recording breaking partnership of 370 with Ashton May as well as 175* two games later. Here’s the amazing fact, at this point in time Bourke had only been dismissed once meaning he had a batting average of 528 ….in 1st Grade!!!
Foxsports - Sydney grade batsman Damian Bourke averages over 500 midway through the summer
Favorite Saints Tradition?
Singing the song after a win.
Tell us about the best win you’ve been involved with?
I played a second grade match against Northern Districts where they were 9 down needing 2 runs to win. David Williams took one of the best caught and bowled dismissals that I’ve ever seen. Quite extraordinary.
“Favorite” worst injury playing cricket?
I got stung by a bee on the hand the morning of a match and couldn’t bat.
Favorite Beverage?
Any Cider.
Favorite Food?
Sushi
Favorite Holiday Destination?
Anywhere near a beach.
What are your hobbies?
Doing anything fitness related (running, cycling, etc.).
What’s the best advice you’ve received?
Don’t let success or failure on the cricket field dictate your emotions.
What do you do for a living?
I’m a high school teacher.
Greatest achievement outside of cricket?
Becoming a teacher and raising money for charity.
Advise to any youngsters looking to make it?
Enjoy playing the game and your teammate’s success. That’s what matters when you finish playing and the things that you will remember.
