2014 ANZ Championships – Round 6 Tips

The Magic and Swifts rule the competition roost five rounds into the 2014 ANZ Championship season. With Swifts on a bye week, can the Magic stretch their lead at the top of the table? Ben Carbonaro returns to preview all of the fixtures.

Results

Round 5: 5 units bet, gross return of 7.58 units, net profit of 2.58 units

2014: 15 units bet, gross return of 13.22 units, net loss of 1.78 units

 

Round 6 Tips (please note: all times are the local time for the home side)

Sunday April 6, 11:18 AM Fever v Thunderbirds

Bookmakers’ line: Fever +1.5

Ben says:  Everything went well in the beginning for the Fever last weekend but it was basic skills errors and an inability to contain a rampaging Magic team that saw them end their two week trip to New Zealand without a win. The Thunderbirds had their run of 16 consecutive wins snapped by the Steel and surprisingly, they trailed before working their way back from a five goal deficit and almost won the game. While Fever have played good netball in patches, it a lack of consistency after starting games well that has cost them and the Thunderbirds should win reasonably well on the road in Perth. Thunderbirds by 8

Recommended bet:  1 unit on Thunderbirds -1.5 at $1.87 (TAB Sportsbet)

 

Sunday April 6, 7:20 PM Steel v Mystics

Bookmakers’ line: Steel -4.5

Ben says:  Steel are in the midst of a revival, having won their last two games including a record breaking first win over the Thunderbirds in what was their first win on Australian soil. The Mystics didn’t go down without a fight against the Firebirds, only to go down by eight goals last Sunday, but have only won one game for the season. The home team may have the momentum, but it will by the Mystics who will build on the good things they showed against the Firebirds with a win. Mystics by 3

Recommended bet:  1 unit on Mystics +4.5 at $1.87 (TAB Sportsbet)

 

Monday April 7, 7:40 PM Magic v Pulse

Bookmakers’ line: TBC

Ben says:  Many predicted the Magic would struggle this season following plenty of player turnover, including Irene van Dyk (Pulse) and Laura Langman (Mystics) leaving. Many critics have since had egg on their faces as the Magic sit atop the ANZ Championship with five wins from five games, including a 17 goal demolition of the Fever last round. Pulse just couldn’t get going against the Swifts last week and it wasn’t a true indication of just how good a team they are. Featuring many current and former New Zealand Silver Ferns, Pulse will look to rebound from last week’s poor showing but it will be tough against the Magic. Magic by 5

Recommended bet:  TBC

 

Monday April 7, 7:48 PM Firebirds v Vixens

Bookmakers’ line:  TBC, but Vixens $2.00 H2H suggests around +1.5

Ben says:  The Vixens returned to form with a 24 goal demolition of the Tactix to make it a successful first of three trips across the Tasman, with English international Geva Mentor a standout in defence. It was a great way for them to rebound after going down to the only undefeated team in the ANZ Championship, Waikato/Bay of Plenty Magic. In Brisbane, Firebirds returned to the winners list last Sunday against the Mystics, but they had to work hard for it as the visitors weren’t prepared to go down without a fight. Monday night’s game between the Firebirds and Vixens will be a close contest, if the round three clash where Firebirds won by a single goal with under a minute to go is any indication.  Vixens by 7

Recommended bet:  1 unit on Vixens ML (i.e. to win outright) at $2.00 (Centrebet)

 

Bye:  Swifts, Tactix