I took things very easy this week placing no fixed odds rugby bets but I still managed to do a few rand on the golf and football where my winning Socca Scramble still managed to show a negative return.

With my Super 14 form having dried up somewhat I decided to focus my attention on the spreads markets and the good news is that I was able to make a comeback winning the equivalent of 50 units thanks mainly to the Brumbies who put away the Reds with ease.

I never placed a bet on the handicaps in the end and those who read my previews would have sensed from the stakes suggested that I was far from confident in any of my calls and in the end 3/6 arrived (I was totally undecided in the Stormers game). 

From a long term perspective my Hurricanes for Top New Zealand side at 5/2 is looking good but it is pretty much a winner take all game against the Chiefs in Hamilton this weekend. To say I will be watching with some interest would be a serious understatement. 

My other significant bets were the Sharks to be top SA team at 14/10 which is now looking really shaky although if they beat the Waratahs this weekend they will still be in the running going into their final match at home to the Bulls and the Brumbies to be top Australian side at 5/2 so I am hoping they beat the Blues while the Tah’s lose in Durban and the Force in Cape Town. 

Finally I need the Cheetahs to finish last (backed at 5/2) and if as expected they lose to the Bulls this weekend then that bet will be pretty much secured. 

Back to this weekends action and I placed a local Socca Scramble with World of Sport (similar to the Soccer 6) and bankered Bloemfontein Celtic to win with 5 fields. They duly arrived but there were no upsets and after investing 2.5 units I actually showed a 1.5 unit loss on the bet as everybody and their dog caught all 6 legs. It is a nice bet though and these small losses are worth taking if you can pick up a big one down the line. 

I also felt stiff in the Pirates Chiefs match where World Sports Betting were 9/10 the pair under 2.5 goals. That seemed a great price in this traditionally tight derby match and I lumped 5 units on only to be undone by a couple of late goals. 

A nett loss of 6.5 units on the footy this week.

My poor golf run continues and after having 3 players in contention early they all faded in the Quail Hollow Championship. To make me feel even worse Sean O’Hair a man I have bet on a few times this season popped up to win.

A loss of 8 units in the golf and I will be hoping to replicate my win in last year Players Championship this week having backed Garcia at 40/1 last year. The Spaniard is really struggling at the moment though but be sure to log on later this week for my preview and picks.

SASHA SAVES ME

Just when it seemed I would go the weekend without a winner Sasha-Lee popped up at odds of 9/2 to win Idols – you can read my final Idols blog here. 

BETTING SUMMARY
Balance after week 16: 46.89 units
Week 17 result: 10 units
Running balance: +36.89 units

Pending Bets

Champions League: 8 units (Chelsea win 2, any English team 6)
Golf: Race to Dubai: 30 units (10 wins Garcia and 20 places Garcia)

PSL: Ajax (5 units at 2/1)

Super 14: 60 units (Sharks Top SA, Brumbies Top Aus, Hurricanes Top Kiwi, Cheetahs for last, Sharks and Canes to win, a match bet treble Lions/Cheetahs, Reds/Highlanders, Sharks/Blues)

F1: 2 units Button for the title at an average of 53/1

For my early thoughts on Super 14 week 13 check out our Discussion Forum 

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