Five Balls, Fifty-Fives & Farewells

👋 Happy Friday All - This Week’s Grind Has Plenty to Pour Over

From behind the scenes drama to on-field brilliance, this week’s Game-Day Grind covers it all.

We’ve got:
💥 A record-breaking five-ball meltdown
💸 A £55 million statement signing
🏎 And the biggest F1 farewell in years

Plus...
🎟 Three HOT Zikkitt alerts you’ll want to jump on
☕ A citrusy pour-over to match the pace
🧠 And trivia question to test even the sharpest sports fan

Let’s Brew It 👇

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1. The Perfect Pour

☕Ethiopian Yirgacheffe Gotiti by 60 Degrees Coffee

This week’s edition has it all - shock exits in F1, historic bowling in cricket, and a big-money move in the Premier League.

You need a coffee that’s just as bold and memorable.

Flavour Notes:
– Blueberry Jam
– Stone Fruits
– Jasmine

Why it pairs with this week’s edition:
Like Campher’s five wickets in five balls, this coffee hits fast and leaves a mark. The tangy brightness mirrors the sharp twist of Horner’s Red Bull departure, while its smooth, floral profile has the kind of finesse Kudus will need to thrive at Spurs.

Where to get it:
Look no further than 60 Degrees Coffee and their Ethiopian Yirgacheffe from the Banko Gotiti region - a standout roast for a standout week.

2. 🔥☕ Espresso Express – A quick, bold shot of sports headlines, served hot and fast! 

🏁 Christian Horner Out After 20 Years

Red Bull dropped a bombshell earlier this week.
Christian Horner has been sacked as team principal after 20 years, 8 drivers' titles, and 124 wins.

💬 In a tearful farewell at Red Bull HQ, Horner said the decision “came as a shock” and called it the “privilege of a lifetime.”

🥐 It has already been reported that Laurent Mekies (ex-FIA, now Racing Bulls boss) will be taking over as team principal.

💥 Why it matters:

• Red Bull sits 4th in the standings and hasn’t won in 6 races.

• Max Verstappen reportedly supported the decision, with whispers of internal power struggles.

• Adrian Newey and other key staff have already jumped ship.

🎯 Bottom line:
F1’s most dominant team is in flux. Red Bull hopes a fresh start will keep Verstappen from walking and keep the dynasty alive.

⚽ Spurs Sign Kudus for £55m

Tottenham have landed a major summer signing. Spurs have completed a £55 million deal for West Ham forward Mohammed Kudus.

💥 The 24-year-old Ghanaian joins on a six-year contract and adds versatility to Spurs’ attack. Known for his sharp footwork and ability to play out wide or through the middle, Kudus notched double-digit goal involvements across two seasons in East London.

💰 This marks the first transfer between Spurs and West Ham in over a decade - a rare deal between two of London’s biggest rivals. Spurs reportedly had an earlier bid turned down before agreeing on the final fee.

Why it matters:
🎯 Kudus brings flair and unpredictability to a Spurs side rebuilding under new manager Thomas Frank.
🎯 After a disappointing 17th-place finish last season, Tottenham are clearly aiming to reset their attacking identity.
🎯 The move also suggests a more aggressive transfer strategy from Spurs, who are now moving quicker in the market.

Bottom line:
With Kudus on board, Spurs signal intent. Whether it clicks or not, they’re betting big on creativity to spark a turnaround.

🏏 Five Balls, Five Wickets. Yes, Really!

Ireland’s Curtis Campher just pulled off one of the rarest feats in cricket history: five wickets in five consecutive deliveries.

📣 The stunning moment came during a T20 match in Dublin, where Campher, playing for Munster Reds, dismantled North-West Warriors’ batting lineup in the space of just five balls. His spell included a mix of clean bowled dismissals and sharp catches, sending the opposition from steady to stunned in seconds.

5️⃣ The final stat line? 5 wickets for just 16 runs in 2.3 overs. It’s the first time this has happened in men’s professional cricket and only adds to Campher’s growing reputation after previously taking four wickets in four balls at the 2021 T20 World Cup.

Why it matters:
✅ Five in five is unheard of - this is next-level bowling.
✅ The spell flipped the game instantly, leading to a rapid all-out collapse.
✅ Campher now holds a unique place in cricket’s modern storybook.

Bottom line:
Moments like this are why we love sport. One over. Five balls. Pure magic. Expect to see it on every cricket highlight reel for years to come.

3. 🎟 Ticket Radar – powered by Zikkitt

We’ve partnered with Zikkitt, a new sports ticket alert platform, to make sure you never miss a chance to see your team live.

Here’s what’s hot this week:

🎟 HOT Zikkitt #1: The Open Ballot Is Now Live

Get ready, golf fans - the ballot for the 154th Open Championship is officially open.

Next year’s tournament returns to the iconic Royal Birkdale, and demand will be sky-high. Whether you're a die-hard golf fanatic or just fancy watching history unfold at one of the sport’s greatest stages, this is your shot to be there without paying resale prices later.

Ballot entry is free and closes in a matter of weeks so don’t wait. Even if you're just considering going, enter now. You can always release the tickets later if plans change.

🟣 Zikkitt Alert:
This is exactly the kind of drop we built Zikkitt to catch early. No fluff — just fast, accurate alerts when ballots go live or tickets hit resale. If you don’t want to miss events like The Open, get on the waitlist now.

Click here to sign up and enter the ballot.

🎟 HOT Zikkitt #2: Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 - Tickets On Sale Now!

Women’s rugby is booming, and this is set to be massive. The Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 kicks off in England on 22nd August and priority access for tickets is already open.

With matches hosted across iconic venues including Sandy Park, Sunderland’s Stadium of Light, and Franklin’s Gardens, this is shaping up to be one of the biggest sporting events of the year.

Why it matters:
These aren’t just rugby matches - they’re major national moments in the making. With prices starting reasonably and demand expected to rise fast, now’s the best time to lock in your seats. Click the link to buy your tickets now.

🟣 Zikkitt Alert:
This is exactly the kind of moment Zikkitt flags for fans - not just ballots or exclusive drops, but live general sale launches you might otherwise miss. If you want to stay ahead on high-demand tickets like these, Zikkitt’s alerts will keep you in the know, in real time.

🎟 HOT Zikkitt #3: 2025/26 Season Tickets – Edinburgh & Glasgow Now Live

Scottish rugby fans, take note: season tickets for the 2025/26 campaign are now available for both Edinburgh Rugby and Glasgow Warriors.

If you’re a regular at Hive Stadium or Scotstoun, or even just thinking about committing to more live rugby next season, now’s the time to act. Season tickets guarantee your spot at every home fixture - including derby days, European nights, and playoff pushes.

Why it's worth it:
– Best-value access across the whole season
– Priority for knockout games and renewals
– A guaranteed seat as fan interest continues to grow

Follow the link to purchase your season ticket and a guaranteed high octane, big hitting experience.

🟣 Zikkitt Alert:
Zikkitt isn’t just about the big one-off events - we also track season ticket drops, renewals, and early-bird windows. Whether you’re loyal to your local club or following multiple teams, Zikkitt helps you lock in the best seats before they’re gone.

4. 🤔 Extra Shot: Your Weekly Dose of Sports Trivia

Q) Christian Horner was the longest-serving team principal in Formula 1 before his recent departure from Red Bull. But what was Red Bull Racing’s first-ever F1 win under his leadership?

A) 2007 Monaco Grand Prix
B) 2009 Chinese Grand Prix
C) 2010 Bahrain Grand Prix
D) 2008 British Grand Prix

The answer will be announced in next week’s newsletter! Respond to this email with your answers to be in with a chance of a shout in next week’s edition.

🧠 Last Week’s Answer
Last week we asked: Who is the only British driver to have won the British Grand Prix at Silverstone eight times?

Answer: Lewis Hamilton

🏁 Did you get it right?
Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton holds the record for the most British Grand Prix wins at Silverstone, with eight victories to his name. It’s a record that not only cements his status as a homegrown legend but also highlights just how dominant he’s been on one of the sport’s most iconic tracks.

That's full-time on this week's brew! Got a juicy sports story we missed or a coffee blend we need to try? Don't be shy - hit reply and spill the beans