The Voice of Spalding and South Holland
A Gosberton Academy pupil proved to be a lucky charm for one of England’s top cricketers on Sunday.
William Clark (9) attended the Test match with New Zealand at Trent Bridge at Nottingham and got to meet England batsman Joe Root before the day’s play started.
He was then one of the first to greet Root off the pitch, sharing a fist bump with him shown live on TV after making 163 not out.
William, of Gosberton, is a big hockey and cricket fan and regularly attends Nottinghamshire CC games with dad John, but this was his first Test match.
“Joe was walking up back to the dressing room looking shattered and keeping himself to himself, but William just went up and offered his hand up to him and they fist bumped.
“William said well played and Joe turned and winked at him.
“I don’t think he realises quite how good a moment it was.
“He’s quite fortunate to witness the innings that he did.
“His headteacher Mr Baxter was watching at home and was able to take a picture of the moment.
“As a nine-year-old meeting your idol is a dream.
“He’s met a few at Notts and we live next door to their up and coming player Joe Evison’s grandparents, so William’s a keen cricket and hockey player, representing Sleaford U10s at the former Spalding Town U11s cricket.
“I think his ultimate dream at the moment would be to play hockey for England.”
