2014 ANZ Championship – Round 5 Tips

Ben Carbonaro previews all of the Round 5 ANZ Championship matches.

Results

Round 4: 2 units bet, gross return of 0.00 units, net loss of 2.00 units

2014: 10 units bet, gross return of 5.64 units, net loss of 4.36 units

 

Round 5 Tips (please note: all times are the local time for the home side)

Sunday March 30, 11:48 AM Thunderbirds v Steel

Bookmakers’ line: TBC

Ben says:  Thunderbirds experienced the high of setting a competition record 17 consecutive wins one week and then having the run snapped by the Mystics in over time the next, but also losing midcourter Leigh Waddington to a season ending knee injury. After the disastrous trip across to New Zealand, Thunderbirds are now back home at Netball SA Stadium on Sunday to play against a Steel side that finally cracked it for a win over the Fever for the first time since 2010. Thunderbirds should get their season back on track with a win at home. Thunderbirds by 3

Recommended bet:  TBC

 

Sunday March 30, 1:18 PM Firebirds v Mystics

Bookmakers’ line: TBC

Ben says:  Giving a team a 10 goal start is not a good way to kick off a game of netball at any level, but that’s exactly what the Firebirds did against Swifts. Despite winning the next three quarters of that game, too many turnovers and giving away too many penalties cost them dearly. Mystics won an overtime thriller over the Thunderbirds, but it’s a different prospect coming up against a Firebirds team that certainly doesn’t lack star power starting with Australian Diamonds captain Laura Geitz in defence. Firebirds by 6

Recommended bet:  TBC

 

Sunday March 30, 7:20 PM Magic v Fever

Bookmakers’ line: TBC

Ben says:  The Achilles heel for the Fever has been their inability to win games on the road, not just in Australia but also in New Zealand. It looked like they were going to get a win across the Tasman in Dunedin over the Steel, only to go down in an absolute nail biter by a single goal. Magic come into this game on the back of an impressive win away in Melbourne over the Vixens where the midcourt combination of Grace Rasmussen and Courtney Tairi were standouts. These are two teams with different starts to the season, but this could be where Fever can end their two week trip to New Zealand with a win, but they be coming up against a Magic team that are the only undefeated ANZ Championship team. Magic by 10

Recommended bet:  TBC

 

Monday March 31, 7:40 PM Tactix v Vixens

Bookmakers’ line:  TBC

Ben says:  Melbourne Vixens season at the moment stands in the balance with two wins and two losses, but more importantly four of the next five games for them are on the road. A poor start cost them against the Magic last weekend, so a much stronger start against a Tactix team that pulled off one of the upsets of the season with a two goal win over the more fancied Pulse. The slick defence and just general overall class of the Vixens will get them over the line in this one. Vixens by 14

Recommended bet:  TBC

 

Monday March 31, 7:48 PM Swifts v Pulse

Bookmakers’ line:  TBC

Ben says:  It what was a true show of character by the Swifts to beat the Firebirds, considering how many players they had missing due to injury. Kimberlee Green was at her best in the winning team and she’ll be looking to once again put in a solid performance this week at either wing attack or centre for Swifts. Despite the shock loss to the Tactix, the Pulse are still looking good enough to push up into the top four and play finals netball after promising so much in recent seasons. Swifts should win at home. Swifts by 4

Recommended bet:  TBC