2015 ANZ Championships – Round 5 Tips

Ben Carbonaro previews Round 5 of the 2015 ANZ Championship.

Previous Results of Ben’s tips

Rd 4: 2 units bet, gross return of 1.90 units, net loss of 0.10 units

2015 total: 9 units bet, gross return of 9.48 units, net profit of 0.48 units

2012-2015: 102 units bet, gross return of 115.02 units, net profit of 13.02 units, Profit on Turnover (PoT) = 13%

 

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

Sunday March 29, 9:18 AM Fever v Thunderbirds

Bookmakers’ line: Fever -5.5

Ben says: A new feature of this year’s ANZ Championship season has been the introduction of an Australian and New Zealand conference, along with a challenge trophy. The West Coast Fever won the right to be the trophy’s inaugural holder after a draw and today is the third time that they are defending it against the Thunderbirds. If the Thunderbirds win, they win be the new trophy holders and will defend it in round seven against the NSW Swifts. Fever are coming off a 59-59 draw against the Swifts in what was another very impressive performance from them as they continue to finally come through with the goods are being a team of promise in recent seasons. Thunderbirds pulled off a stunning upset, knocking off defending premiers Melbourne Vixens in Adelaide. It was a great way for captain Renae Hallinan to celebrate her 100th ANZ Championship game. While the Thunderbirds hold the upper hand across competition history with 12 wins from the last 14 games between these two teams, I think Fever will continue their superb star to this season with a win. Fever by 6

Recommended bet: Nil

 

Sunday March 29, 7:10 PM Mystics v Steel

Bookmakers’ line: Mystics +1.5

Ben says: Kiwi sporting fans will no doubt have their eyes glued to the Cricket World Cup final in Melbourne, but as usual will be taking a strong interest in a game of netball going on at the same time. The Northern Mystics host a Southern Steel team that faces a tough task of restricting world class shooter Cathrine Latu, who has had her share of injury troubles this season. Steel’s defensive young defensive combination of Storm Purvis and Phoenix Karaka is really starting to build strongly, but it will need to be a full team effort to restrict Latu. This game will be an absolute thriller. Steel by 3

Recommended bet: Nil

 

Monday March 30, 7:40 PM Pulse v Magic

Bookmakers’ line: Pulse +2.5

Ben says: The Waikato/Bay of Plenty Magic may lead the overall record between these two teams 11-3 but don’t take too much from that. While Central Pulse have won just one game this season,  coach Robyn Broughton would still be able to draw some positives considering what we saw from a much improved team last season. Magic have won two of their first four matches and should make it three tomorrow night. Magic by 4

Recommended bet: Nil

 

Monday March 30, 7:18 PM Firebirds v Swifts

Bookmakers’ line: Swifts -2.5

Ben says: Swifts coach Rob Wright remains optimistic that captain Kimberlee Green will take to the court tomorrow night. Midcourter Green was benched during last week’s drawn game against the West Coast Fever after being involved in a head clash. The Swifts have played in consecutive draws, so a win would break that up and bring back some confidence for them. Queensland Firebirds and Australian Diamonds captain Laura Geitz brings up her 100th ANZ Championship match in this game, should Green play she will also. Last time these two teams met back in round three, it was the competition’s first full time draw with scores tied at 47-47 and I’m expecting this return clash to go down to the wire. Swifts by 5

Recommended bet: Swifts outright (no line) at $2.00 (Centrebet)