2013 ANZ Championships – Semi Final Tips
We are down to netball’s “Final Four” for 2013. The Thunderbirds will host the Vixens with the winner advancing to the Grand Final, while the Magic and Firebirds will have to successfully walk the finals tightrope in sudden death. Ben Carbonaro previews the best taking on the best.
Results for Round 14 tips
Round 14: 2 units bet, 1 winner, return of 1.90 units
2013 total: 28 units bet, 16 winners, return of 29.94 units (7% PoT)
2012/ 2013 total: 58 units bet, 36 winners, return of 67.59 units (17% PoT)
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 the 2013 ANZ Championship semi-finals:
Semi-final Tips (please note: all times are the local time for the home side)
Sunday June 30, 11:45 AM Adelaide Thunderbirds v Melbourne Vixens
Thunderbirds: 12-1 (first on ladder), 7-0 home
Vixens: 9-4 (second on ladder), 4-2 away
Bookmakers’ line: Thunderbirds -2.5 to -3.5
Ben says: The first game of this year's finals series will be an interesting one, with both teams having won a game each between the two during the regular season. Back in round two, the Vixens were the sole team to beat Thunderbirds before it was the other way around as Thunderbirds won a one-goal thriller. There were contrasting performances for both sides in the final regular season round last week, as the Thunderbirds beat Firebirds by two-goals while Vixens completely outclassed West Coast Fever. Both these teams are evenly matched on paper, with quality players across the court but the home side's defenders won't be able to combat the Vixens shooters or shut down speedy wing attack Madison Browne. Vixens by 5
Recommended bet: 1 unit on Vixens +3.5 at $1.87 (TAB Sportsbet)
Sunday June 30, 7:20 PM Waikato/ BOP Magic v Queensland Firebirds
Magic: 9-4 (third on ladder), 6-0 home
Firebirds: 9-4 (fourth on ladder), 6-1 away
Bookmakers’ line: Magic -2.5 to -3.5
Ben says: Magic are on track to become the first team to win back to back ANZ Championship premiership titles, if their recent form is anything to go by. They've won their past six games on their way to finishing third after the regular season. With ever green shooter Irene van Dyk in ominous form and captain Laura Langman leading from the front at centre, they will be heard to beat at home in Hamilton. It's been a different story for the Firebirds, having won just three of their last six games but will be looking to improve on the only meeting between these two teams this year back in round 10 that went into extra time that Magic won 65-63. Magic by 3
Recommended bet: Nil
Thanks to Phil Walter/Getty Images AsiaPac for use of the photo
