Once again, we have a week of full sporting action in the books, and for us at Betcha, that means it’s time to dive into all the moments and share our best of the week. With the sports calendar as packed as it was, this was a tough week to pick just a few moments, but I’ve managed to narrow it down to our top three. So enough waiting around, let’s crack into it!
A Dream First Touch
NFL preseason was fully back in swing this weekend, with all 32 teams finally getting back onto the field after a long six-month break for the players, coaches, and fans. Even though it was only just preseason, there is still room for some special moments, and for me, TreVeyon Henderson’s first touch of his career tops the charts for this weekend’s NFL action.
The rookie out of Ohio State was selected in the second round by the famous New England Patriots due to his explosiveness, athleticism, and off-the-charts intangibles, which make him one of the most exciting rookie running backs. In preseason, due to him being a key player for the 2025 Patriots, he wasn’t likely to get loads of action, but beginning his NFL career, he had a dream start.
The rookie was on kick return duties and found the ball flying his way. He went to secure the catch and then took off in a blur. After running some outstanding angles and with his blockers providing him some space, Henderson was off to the races. He took the ball 100-plus yards for a kick return touchdown in a moment that he has likely dreamed about ever since he was a young kid.
The moment was special, and if it says anything about what kind of player he will be for the rest of his pro career, the Patriots might have found a gem.
Blackcaps In The Record Books
In the second Test of the series vs Zimbabwe, the Blackcaps stormed to a win in just two and a half days in what was no doubt a dominant display. A quick shoutout to young seamer Zak Foulkes who, on Test debut, took a four-wicket bag in the first innings and backed it up with a maiden five-wicket haul.
However, despite his dominance, it was the Blackcaps’ top-order batters who stole the show by scoring 601 for 3 before declaring. The opening partnership between Will Young and Devon Conway was solid. Young was dismissed for 74, while his partner went on to score a mammoth 153 before eventually falling. With nightwatchman Jacob Duffy on Test debut scoring a handy 36, the foundation was set for New Zealand’s top middle order to cash in, featuring Henry Nicholls and Rachin Ravindra.
Cash in they did. Henry Nicholls not only secured a much overdue Test hundred but, like Conway, passed the 150 mark and remained unbeaten at the declaration. His partner at the crease, Rachin Ravindra, showed his special talents with a blistering 165 off just 139 balls, also finishing not out.
The three 150-plus scores marked the first time in international history that three separate teammates had achieved the feat in the same innings. Even though it came against opposition the Blackcaps were expected to beat comfortably, it is no doubt an effort that won’t be forgotten any time soon.
Estêvão Arrives At The Bridge
It’s been a long 18 months since the Brazilian starlet from Palmeiras signed a pre-contract to play for the world champions Chelsea from 2025 onwards. He is not just another talented youngster coming out of Brazil. In fact, he has been dubbed the next Neymar Jr., and even outplayed the legend during their time in Brazil as an under-18.
The winger, nicknamed “Messinho,” broke the record for the most goal contributions by an under-18 player in Brazil’s top flight. He has also made his international debut and started under Carlo Ancelotti’s new-era Brazil squad. All of these accolades are impressive, but they come with huge expectations and pressure to perform immediately for the Blues.
After that grueling 18-month wait, Estêvão was finally given his first opportunity to play at Stamford Bridge, where he’ll hope to blossom into one of the best players in the world. With the whole football world watching, the youngster flew out of the blocks, leaving defenders in his dust and linking up with Cole Palmer on multiple occasions.
Eighteen minutes in, after looking dangerous on several occasions, Estêvão found the back of the net to open his account at his new home. The crowd erupted in jubilation as their next superstar had finally arrived in front of them on the King’s Road.