Neville Ray James Beath was born at Gooloogong in country NSW on 12 November 1921. No-one seems to know where the name “Bill” came from, but anyone who knew him says he was never known by anything else. And like many country lads, he went to school in Sydney, completing his education at St Joseph’s College before joining the Petersham club in 1941-42 where his reputation preceded him, playing his first match in 1st Grade. He took 1-20 against University on debut, a match where Sid Barnes made 165. The following round against Manly at Manly Oval he headed the bowling with 4-45, while top-scoring in the second innings, belting 54 when quick runs were required.
