A PROUD school is over the moon after a top cricket student nearly matched a world record.

Will Monks is part of the Gosfield School Cricket Academy and plays in the school's under-15s team.

The school was left gobsmacked after Will nearly matched an all time fastest cricket record.

He hit an incredible 32-ball century in an under-15s match last week.

The incredible feat, which included 13 sixes and four fours, took just one ball more than the all-time fastest hundred in world first class cricket.

Head coach Ben Stephens retired Will from the match once he reached his century in just the ninth over.

Mr Stephens said: "It was incredible to watch. One six cleared the house at the end of the ground and disappeared onto Halstead Road.

"His timing was perfect and all the sixes were so effortless. There were seven dot balls in the innings, so still something to work on.”

Will is considered an elite student in the school’s cricket academy and is studying for GCSEs.

He plays his club cricket for Copford and is also a county and national level hockey player.

He said: “I was annoyed at getting a duck in the previous game against Brentwood in the Essex Cup so just wanted to put that right. I’m really pleased with my innings but also a little shocked.”

It comes as the schools says it has added first class South African cricketer Rubin Hermann to its coaching staff this term.

Mr Stephens added: “Rubin and I will be working with Will on those seven dot balls.”