XtraTime Web Desk: New Zealand all rounder Jimmy Neesham hit a maximum during the super over of the ICC World Cup Final against England in a thrilling game. Neesham’s School teacher and Coach David James Gordon breathed his last after watch his students hitting the six.
The host England won the first ever title on boundary count as the Kiwis missed their chance of lifting the World Cup
trophy at the Lord’s balcony due to inferior boundary count after both the 50
overs and the Super Over ended in ties.
Gordon’s daughter Leonie said, “One of the nurses came in for the final over, the super over, and she said his breathing is changing,”
“You know, I think
Jimmy Neesham had just hit that six and he took his last breath.
“He has a quirky sense of humour and he was
a real character and he would have loved the fact that he did that,” she
added.
“Dave Gordon, my High School teacher, coach and friend. Your love of this game was infectious, especially for those of us lucky enough to play under you. How appropriate you held on until just after such a match. Hope you were proud. Thanks for everything. RIP,” Neesham tweeted on Thursday paying a rich tribute to his coach.
Dave Gordon, my High School teacher, coach and friend. Your love of this game was infectious, especially for those of us lucky enough to play under you. How appropriate you held on until just after such a match. Hope you were proud. Thanks for everything. RIP
— Jimmy Neesham (@JimmyNeesh) July 17, 2019
Leonie replied to the tweet of Neesham as she wrote, “It was lovely, you know, he’s kept in touch with Jimmy and he is friends with Jimmy’s father. He always had a soft spot for Jimmy Neesham, he was very proud of him. He would definitely be following his career.”
Gordon coached Neesham, Lockie Ferguson and
numerous other high school students during his stint for more than 25-years as
a teacher and cricket and hockey coach at Auckland Grammar.