2014 ANZ Championship Tips – Round 2

An eclectic collection of upsets and blowout victories personified the opening round of the 2014 ANZ Championship, much to the chagrin of MTN punters. However, form may be temporary but class is permanent – expect the tipping of Ben Carbonaro to bounce back swiftly in Round 2 of the competition.

Results

Round 1 and overall: 2 units bet, return of 0.00 units

 

Round 2 Tips (please note: all times are the local time for the home side)

Saturday March 8, 4:20 PM Pulse v Steel

Bookmakers’ line: TBC

Ben says:  Pulse were dealt the cruelest of blows last Monday night when they went down to the Thunderbirds by a single goal after Jamaican shooting machine Carla Borrego finally scored after rebounding two missed shots with no time left. The Steel were simply outclassed and no match for a an exciting Firebirds team featuring young talent. They may have Jhanielle Fowler-Reid at their disposal at goal shooter, but it remains to be seen if an over reliance on her will cost them a win over a Pulse team loaded with current or former New Zealand internationals.Pulse by 3

Recommended bet: TBC

 

Sunday March 9, 9:18 AM Fever v Vixens

Bookmakers’ line: Fever +4.0 to +5.5

Ben says:  Playing four quarters of consistent netball is how a team wins a game of netball and that’s not what the Fever did last weekend against Swifts. They performed strongly during the first half, only for the Swifts to work their way into the game and win thanks to a strong second half. The Vixens opened their season with a dominant win over Mystics thanks to strong full court defensive pressure. Both the Fever and Vixens have strong attack lines, but I’m confident the Vixens will just get over the line in Perth. Vixens by 2

Recommended bet: 1 unit on Fever +5.5 at $1.90 (Centrebet)

 

Sunday March 9, 1:18 PM Firebirds v Thunderbirds

Bookmakers’ line: Firebirds -1.5 to -2.5

Ben says:  In what could the match of the round, the Grand Final replay in Brisbane sees both teams coming off first up wins. The Firebirds will be keen to retain a competition record 15 wins they achieved when they won the ANZ Championship premiership three years ago and Thunderbirds will want to equal it. This game could come down to how the respective defensive ends can restrict the impact of the goal shooters, Romelda AIken for Firebirds and Carla Borrego for Thunderbirds. Firebirds by 5

Recommended bet: 1 unit on Firebirds -1.5 at $1.90 (Centrebet)

 

Sunday March 9, 7:20 PM Tactix v Swifts

Bookmakers’ line: Swifts -14.0 to -16.5

Ben says:  As has been the case for much of their history, Tactix started yet another game well before being completely outplayed by their opposition in Magic. Swifts struggled during the first half against the Fever, before they staged a spirited fightback to win by three goals to further suggest that this year will be a much improved one for them. New recruits shooter Caitlin Thwaites and defender Sharni Layton should have a field day against a Tactix side that will no doubt be competitive at different stages, but simply not good enough to match it with Swifts. Swifts by 15

Recommended bet: Nil

 

Monday March 10, 7:40 PM Mystics v Magic

Bookmakers’ line: Magic -5.5 to -6.5

Ben says:  Beset by injuries, the Mystics were no match for a dominant Vixens team in Melbourne last Sunday. Missing Anna Harrison and Jodi Tod-Elliot to name just a few means they are lacking some fire power, but the signing of Laura Langman has been a masterstroke. Magic opened their 2014 campaign with a bang, easily accounting for the Tactix as new goal shooter in English international Jo Harten slotted in nicely. Their performance last week despite it being over a traditionally poorer team was impressive, but it Magic could be made to work to grind out a win. Magic by 6

Recommended bet: Nil