2014 ANZ Championships – Round 10 Tips

Ben Carbonaro previews Round 10 of 2014 ANZ Championship action and finds us a bet early in the weekend.

Results

Round 9: 2 units bet, gross return of 3.80 units, net profit of 1.80 units

2014: 23 units bet, gross return of 22.79 units, net loss of 0.21 units

 

Round 10 Tips (please note: all times are the local time for the home side)

Saturday May 3, 1:48 PM  Thunderbirds v Fever

Bookmakers’ line:  Thunderbirds -2.5 to -3.5

Ben says: On the road in New Zealand last Sunday, the Thunderbirds were handed a cruel one goal loss by the Magic, it came down to the final minute before when English international Jo Harten shot the winner. The Thunderbirds are currently stuck in something of a rut, having lost five games after winning their first three and creatomg a new league record for most consecutive wins. Fever were completely outclassed by the Firebirds in what was a one sided contest, but they can draw confidence this week from the fact that won on home soil against Thunderbirds back in round six, but Thunderbirds should turn things around with a win at home on Saturday afternoon. Thunderbirds by 8

Recommended bet:  1 unit on Thunderbirds -2.5 at $1.90 (Centrebet)

 

Sunday May 4, 12:18 PM  Vixens v Swifts

Bookmakers’ line:  Vixens -5.5

Ben says:  The Vixens have returned from New Zealand with another win on the road, but it didn’t come easy against a Pulse team that continued to remain competitive even if the scoreboard didn’t show it. Swifts easily accounted for the Steel highlighted by a strong 20 goal opening quarter and will be looking to knock off an inform Vixens team at home. One interesting thing to note is that the Swifts have won five of the last six matches between the two teams in Melbourne, including last year.  Both these teams have quality players across the court, but the Vixens will win in a thriller. Vixens by 4

Recommended bet:  Nil

 

Sunday May 4, 2:18 PM  Firebirds v Tactix

Bookmakers’ line:  Firebirds -13.5 to -14.5

Ben says:  Umpring has been a hotly debated topic by netball fans on both sides of the Tasman this week following a controversial decision that some suggested cost Tactix a win over the Mystics last Monday night. Tactix midcourter Keshia Grant appeared to be pushed off side and Mystics went on to win off that penalty. The Firebirds won comfortably at home over Fever in Brisbane and will continue their good recent form with a win. Firebirds by 15

Recommended bet:  Nil

 

Sunday May 4, 7:20 PM  Mystics v Steel

Bookmakers’ line:  Mystics -3.5

Ben says: There have been suggestions this week that Mystics were handed victory by the umpires following the controversial offside call against Tactix midcourter Keshia Grant after it appeared she was offside. The Mystics have 11 former or current international players, including shooters Maria Tutaia and Cathrine Latu who have returned to form after a slow start this season and it will be a tough ask for Steel’s defensive end to restrict their impact. Steel’s form has been like a yo-yo for much of this season and that unpredictably has made me choose the Mystics in this one.   Mystics by 3

Recommended bet:  Nil

 

Monday May 5, 7:40 PM  Pulse v Magic

Bookmakers’ line:  Pulse +3.5

Ben says:  The Pulse went down to Vixens by 12 goals last Saturday, but it wasn’t after they gave up a fight with a generally competitive performance from them. Magic had a final minute win over the Thunderbirds in what a very closely contested match. They have won 11 of the 13 contests between the two teams and will keep this extremely strong record intact, but will have to fight for it against a Pulse team that has been much improved this year. Magic by 5

Recommended bet:  Nil