2015 ANZ Championship – Round 13 tips

After a week off the scene, Ben Carbonaro returns to preview Round 13 of the 2015 ANZ Championship for us.

Previous Results of Ben’s tips

Rd 11: 2 units bet, gross return of 1.90 units, net loss of 0.10 units

2015 total: 23 units bet, gross return of 22.74 units, net loss of 0.26 units

2012-2015: 116 units bet, gross return of 128.28 units, net profit of 12.28 units, Profit on Turnover (PoT) = 10%

 

Round 13 Tips (please note: all times are the local time for the home side)

Saturday May 23, 4:10 PM Steel v Mystics

Bookmakers’ line: Steel +3.5

Ben says: In this weekend’s sole Saturday fixture, the Steel face Mystics in Invercargill. Mystics claimed top position in the New Zealand conference last week with a 54-49 win over Magic last Monday night and it ensures that they will host the conference final at home. Steel are coming of their second draw of the season and now face the two conference leaders (Mystics/Firebirds) in their last two home and away season games. Mystics and New Zealand Silver Ferns goal shooter Catherine Latu is the most accurate shooter in the competition, shooting at 94.3 per recent accuracy.  Mystics by 7

 

Recommended bet: 1 unit on Mystics -3.5 at $1.90 (Centrebet)

 

Sunday May 24, 11:48 AM Thunderbirds v fever

Bookmakers’ line: TBC

Ben says: The Thunderbirds will be motivated to win this game against the Fever with vice-captain and fan favourite Leigh Waddington announcing her retirement from ANZ Championship netball effective after next week’s final home and away round. A consistent performer in the South Australia State League competition, 30 year-old Waddington has fought back from two knee reconstructions to become an integral part of the Thunderbirds midcourt structure. I’ve tipped the Fever to win this one because after a blazing start to the season, they’ve been a bit up and down but a win on the round so close to finals would be a huge confidence booster. Fever by 3

 

Recommended bet: TBC

 

Sunday May 24, 2:18 PM Vixens v Swifts

Bookmakers’ line: TBC

Ben says: This game shapes as a crucial one in the context of the Vixens slim finals chances, they must win to keep them alive while the Swifts have started to hit their straps at the right time after an indifferent start to the year. Should the Vixens win this game by at least 25 goals, they will retain the Sargent McKinnis Cup which is named after NSW netball legend Anne Sargeant and current Vixens coach Simone McKinnis. What counts against the Vixens is just how well the Swifts have performed in Melbourne, winning six of the seven encounters played in Melbourne. Vixens by 2

Recommended bet: TBC

 

Sunday May 24, 7:10 PM Tactix v Firebirds

Bookmakers’ line: TBC

Ben says: It’s been a controversial week for the Tactix this week, with coach Sue Hawkins reprimanded by ANZ Championship administrators for comments she made regarding the umpires during her team’s loss to the Swifts last Sunday. The Firebirds are coming off a strong 58-42 win over Adelaide Thunderbirds and are currently on an eight game winning streak aftter losing their season opener to West Coast Fever back in round one. Jamaican shooting machine Romelda Aiken sits third on the scoring list this season with 422 goals from 514 attemps at 82.1 per cent accuracy. Aiken should have a field day against the Tactix and help her team to a complete demolition of the Tactix. Firebirds by 25

Recommended bet: TBC

 

Monday May 25, 7:40 PM Magic v Pulse  

Bookmakers’ line: TBC

Ben says: Magic may hold an 11-4 record over the Pulse across 15 previous encounters, but I’ve gone with the Pulse to get up in this one even if they haven’t been all that consistent across this year. New Zealand teams haven’t always been in contention come finals time, but if the Magic can win through to the New Zealand Conference Finals, it will be their eighth consecutive finals appearance. Pulse by 11

Recommended bet: TBC