Battered, bloodied and batting beyond the call of duty – that was the story of young Christchurch Boys High School cricketer Brad Gordon at the Gillette Cup final today.
The final between Hamilton Boys Christchurch Boys was an intensely competitive affair, with everyone out to play their best and secure victory for their team, regardless of injury.
Brad’s heroics came after Christchurch had a top order batting slump in the first innings. According to assistant coach Matt Parr, Brad was making sterling work of steadying the ship when things turned painful for the year 12 batsman.
Brad ducked into a quick, short ball which broke the visor of his helmet – and then broke his nose. “There was blood everywhere,” said Parr. “His whites were turning red. It was quite gruesome, so we took him to the medial centre.”
Despite being diagnosed as having a hematoma in his nose, Brad braved up and returned to the park to close the innings for the Christchurch boys.
“All he wanted to do was get back out at the crease. We had a runner for him and he was determined to do well,” Parr added. “That’s passion for you.”
Brad’s was the last wicket to fall before lunch. Immediately after the innings ended he was taken back to hospital to see a specialist about his injury.
