2013 ANZ Championship – Round 3 Tips

The Magic and Vixens sit atop the ANZ Championship ladder, while Ben Carbonaro is helping us take money off bookmakers yet again –it’s good to have you back, netball season. With an eye to extending upon last week’s excellent tipping, Ben previews Round 3 for us.

Results for Round 2 tips

Round 2: 3 units bet, 3 winners, return of 5.61 units

2013 total: 4 units bet, 3 winners, return of 5.61 units

 

Our 2011 introductory discussion of how netball line betting works and what to expect from this column

Once again this year, for the purposes of this weekly column, we will only recommend a bet where Ben’s opinion differs from that of bookmakers by at least 3.5 goals.

Here are Ben’s thoughts on Round 3 of the 2013 ANZ Championships:

 

Round 3 Tips (please note: all times are the local time for the home side)

Saturday April 6, 12:1 PM Southern Steel v Adelaide Thunderbirds

Steel:  1-1 (fifth on ladder), 0-0 home

Thunderbirds:  1-1 (sixth on ladder), 0-1 away

Bookmakers’ line: TBC

Ben says:  Adelaide won their season opener before going down to the Vixens in Melbourne in a disappointing and inconsistent performance. While it's still early in the season, Adelaide need the likes of shooter Carla Borrego firing and not being dropped to the bench like she was last week. The Steel were a had a very indifferent year last season, but did easily account for the Tactix last week but will face an even tougher test coming up against an Adelaide team packed with quality players. Steel by 6

Recommended bet:  TBC

 

Sunday March 31, 12:10 PM West Coast Fever v Waikato/BOP Magic

Fever:  1-1 (fourth on ladder), 1-0 home

Magic:  2-0 (first on ladder), 1-0 away

Bookmakers’ line:  TBC

Ben says:  West Coast last week showed enough to suggest that this season see them finally make a finals appearance after showing a lot of potential and being competitive in the majority of games against all opposition. Their 27 goal demoltion of Northern Mystics was one of the biggest wins ever recorded in West Australian netball history and while records are not likely to be set or broken again, the Fever will be tested by Magic. The Magic have won 14 consecutive games stretching back to last year's ANZ Championship Grand Final win and they haven't slowed down in their first two games of 2013, they have sometimes struggled to win in Australia but this will not be the case in Perth. Magic by 10

Recommended bet:   TBC

 

Sunday March 31, 11:20 AM Northern Mystics v Queensland Firebirds

Mystics:  0-2 (tenth on ladder), 0-1 home

Firebirds:  1-1 (third on ladder), 1-0 away

Bookmakers’ line:  TBC

Ben says:  Queensland were pushed by the Central Pulse and their game in Porirua went down to the wire. After missing the finals last year, the Firebirds are already starting to show that another premiership to add to their 2011 title isn't of the question. Led by Laura Geitz in defence and Jamaican import Romelda Aiken firing, the Firebirds will match up well against a Mystics team still trying to cover the loss of several key players. Firebirds by 15

Recommended bet:   TBC

 

Sunday March 31, 7:20 PM Central Pulse v NSW Swifts

Pulse:  0-2 (eighth on ladder), 0-1 home

Swifts:  1-1 (seventh on ladder), 0-1 away

Bookmakers’ line:  TBC

Ben says:  After being one of the competition's traditional cellar dwellers, the Pulse showed enough improved last season with five wins to suggest that an even further climb up the ladder is possible. While they have lost their first two games, only a poor third quarter cost them so if they can string together some consistency, wins will start to flow. Australian import Caitlin Thwaites and new signing Donna Wilkins are standouts in attack, something that an out of sorts Swifts team will need to combat. While the the Swifts currently have a 1-1 record, they were totally outplayed by Magic last week and will need to start well or they could be on the receiving end of another thrashing. Pulse by 4

Recommended bet:   TBC

 

Monday April 1, 7:40 PM Melbourne Vixens v Canterbury Tactix

Vixens:  2-0 (second on ladder), 1-0 home

Tactix:  0-2 (ninth on ladder), 0-0 away

Bookmakers’ line:  TBC

Ben says:  The Vixens have become one of the early pace setters this season and have played consistent, fluid netball in their first two games. Goal shooter Karyn Howarth is the leading Australian shooter in the competition having shot 74 goals at 86 per cent and her combination with goal attack Tegan Caldwell has been outstanding, as has the defensive end led by captain Bianca Chatfield. Tactix have been competitive in the first half of both games, but have faded out during second halves, which is something they really need to address if they are to have an unlikely win over the Vixens. Vixens by 21

Recommended bet:   TBC

 

Thanks to Phil Walter/Getty Images AsiaPac for use of the photo