So if you somehow missed the Scratched documentary on Heath Davis, from the fine folk at the Spinoff, watch that now (along with Dylan Cleaver’s recollections of actually playing with one of the fastest bowlers we’ve ever produced).
It’s an affecting story of a complicated and also quite uncomplicated man making his way in cricket in the 90’s, dealing with his sexuality in a very hetro world and his relationship with team mates.
It’s brilliant - and also a treasure trove of cricket nostalgia.
Heath at an age-grade tournament. If you were unsure if we’re headed to the 90’s, let the Shell logo and all caps serif font will be your guide.
Cable knit. Cable knit as far as the eye can see. And those tracksuit jackets with the stripes and blocked out sleeves would go for a pretty penny on the Instagram vintage seller accounts.
Look at that Basin scoreboard, pre-big screen. Fresh as a daisy, with bonus DB Draught.
Speaking of the Basin and timeless treasures, just look at this. Art deco, the gate, pohutukawas, a container. It could have been taken yesterday.
BNZ.
Tantalising hint of a DB Draught training shirt, along with a Lincoln chyron.
The baggy sweatshirt with collegiate font Nike, along with short shorts is an extremely powerful look. You don’t need to tell the bloke who wore a grey suit to training.
OG 90’s teal, DB Draught and a sleeveless cable knit with a puce numeral on the back. A truly rich text to enjoy again and again.
That teal in full. And 2 Sports!
Shell again.
Big dog DK Morrison himself in the Oakley Blades and fresh cut straight off Takapuna Beach in his freshly-inflated pants passing on a few tips to the tearaway firebrand. Also cable knit and DB Draught.
Gav. Trackies with a zip. The Basin pickets and bleachers.
An absolutely fantastic project for the family, for everyone to enjoy including the good folk at the BNZ. Bless.
Aces. That collar. State. And a sweet Casio.
All images courtesy the Spinoff.
Thanks for reading - Richard
This week's best NZ sport content
Rugby players thinking the rules for normal people don’t apply to them is a rich tradition in this country, from the First XV fucking up your parties to being COVID proof because of Adidas leisurewear or something [Stuff]
Ellesse Andrews’ golden rides at these Games are a mix of natural attributes and application along with some quality coaching, a path to success that’s not going to stop here [LockerRoom]
Paul Lewis says it’s not *all* Ian Foster’s fault, but the talent pipeline that’s slowly drying up or heading overseas partly a hospital pass from his predecessor [NZ Herald]
For all the issues that professionalism has caused at grassroots level, it is still the way that the vast majority of junior and senior players engage with the game. Almost 500 clubs operate across the country, making it still very much the preeminent community sport and vital hub in smaller centres. As TJ Perenara proved when Norths recently won the Wellington union's Jubilee Cup, the step down from test duty to club footy doesn't have to be a huge one if the will is there.
Jamie Wall on NZR’s plans for club rugby [RNZ]
I was lucky enough to go to this reunion of Auckland and New Zealand players who faced the 1967 Manchester United team of Best, Law and Charlton - it was a wild time on and off the pitch, the stories were fantastic [1 News]
Video nasty
Just some guys skating around Los Angeles with everyone else removed.
Long read
If you’ve every wanted to have a number one record, the good folk at the KLF have written you a manual on how to do it. In all seriousness, this is one of the coolest things I’ve ever read.
Recommendation
Gray Man has sick action, dreamy European locations and a weird Killing Eve vibe, it’s on Netflix:
Bring back the gif
All the things I didn't get done that day when I'm trying to get to sleep: