Remembering Percy Hornibrook
Adapted from the original story by Ron Cochrane, Village Voice
July 2026 marks 50 years since the passing of Percy Hornibrook, one of Spring Hill’s most distinguished residents and a proud representative of Toombul District Cricket Club.
Hornibrook occupies a special place in both Queensland and Australian cricket history. A talented left-arm spin bowler, he played six Test matches for Australia between 1929 and 1930, making his debut in the fifth Test of the 1928–29 Ashes series. In that memorable match, Hornibrook made an immediate impact by taking four wickets and contributing valuable runs with the bat as Australia secured victory over England.
His achievement was particularly significant for Toombul District Cricket Club, as he became only the second player from the club to represent Australia at Test level. His success helped establish Toombul’s reputation as a breeding ground for elite cricketers and remains a source of pride for the club today.
At first-class level, Hornibrook enjoyed a lengthy and distinguished career with Queensland. He represented the state from the 1919–20 season through to 1933–34, becoming one of the state’s earliest representatives during a formative period in Queensland cricket. Known for his accuracy, control and ability to extract turn from even the most unresponsive wickets, he was regarded as one of the leading spin bowlers of his era.
Even after his first-class career concluded, Hornibrook’s involvement with the game continued. He remained committed to club cricket, returning to play for Toombul District Cricket Club and contributing to the sport he loved for many years.
Born in the rural settlement of Obi Obi in the Sunshine Coast hinterland, Hornibrook’s family later lived in Bowen Hills. After leaving school, he worked as a dental assistant before undertaking formal studies in dentistry. In 1928, the same year he reached the pinnacle of Australian cricket, he qualified as a dentist—a remarkable achievement that demonstrated his ability to balance the demands of a professional career with the rigours of elite sport.
Today, 50 years after his passing, Percy Hornibrook remains an important figure in Queensland sporting history. His journey from rural Queensland to the international cricket stage, while simultaneously establishing a successful professional career, serves as a lasting example of dedication, talent and perseverance.
For Toombul District Cricket Club and the wider Brisbane cricket community, Hornibrook’s legacy endures as one of the club’s pioneering Test cricketers and one of Queensland’s early sporting heroes.
