ENGLAND have won the Cricket World Cup for the first time after an enthralling victory against New Zealand.

Eoin Morgan’s side triumphed in a super over after both teams scored 241 in their 50 overs.

But England scored 15 runs in their super over which was bowled by New Zealand’s Trent Boult.

And Southend & EMT all-rounder Joe Robbins knew exactly what England’s stars were going through having faced Boult himself when lining up for Kaipara Flats in Northland back in 2013.

“I was lucky or unlucky enough to play and face Trent Boult in my time out there in the national cup,” said Robbins.

“Facing him without sight screens on a green top wasn’t overly fun but he didn’t get me out and I was lucky enough to only come away with a couple of bruises.

“But it was a great experience to face him.”

However, Boult was not the only Kiwi international Robbins faced.

“I also got to play against Mitchell Santner in rep cricket,” said Robbins.

“When I look back on it now it was a really great experience.”

Santner and Boult could not stop New Zealand suffering a heart-breaking defeat as England won after scoring more boundaries in their innings.

And Robbins labelled it the best game of cricket he had ever seen. “It was the most enthralling game of cricket I’ve ever seen,” said Robbins.

“To be honest I thought we were going to come up just short but (Ben) Stokes and (Jos) Buttler were unbelievable and then the super over, was just ridiculous.”

However, Robbins also felt some sympathy for New Zealand.

“New Zealand is a very special place for me,” said Robbins.

“I was lucky to live there for the best part of two years and have a lot of very good mates out there, so I’m gutted for them.

“I played for Kaipara Flats in Northland where a lot of the kiwi lads played and I know just how much they love their cricket. “ But Robbins is now hoping England’s victory will have a big impact closer to home.

“Hopefully you’ll see participation and interest in cricket increase,” said Robbins.

“I remember in 2005 after the Ashes how there was a sudden boom in people and especially kids taking up cricket.

“Hopefully we’ll see the same now because cricket locally and I’m sure nationally has taken a decline in numbers, so hopefully this is the boost our sport needs to increase participation.”