Eels Hold Appeal As Panthers Reel
Sydney Morning Herald
Friday August 11, 2000
WHAT a difference seven days make. This time last week Penrith were the punters' pick to defeat Canberra which they failed to do and they were also well supported to win the National Rugby League premiership.
On the other hand Parramatta, who were fighting for survival against the Roosters, were expected to bow out of the competition.
Now the roles have been reversed as the teams prepare for battle at the Sydney Football Stadium tomorrow night.
It's the Eels the punters have flocked to back as they take on a depleted Panthers outfit. SportOdds spokesman Geoff Edwards said there was some slight interest early for Penrith but the tide has turned.
``All the money is now coming for Parramatta," he said. ``We took $15,000 on Parramatta -3.5 and $9,000 on them to win at $1.65, followed by $7,500 at $1.60.
``There aren't many out there who want to put their money on Penrith."
Bookmaker Hamish Davidson said the money started to arrive last Sunday for the Eels to not only defeat the Panthers but to win the premiership.
``I took a total of $6,000 on the Eels to win the competition at odds of $14, then $12, and finally $11. And to win against the Panthers, the line has moved from -2.5 to -3.5 points," Davidson said.
SportsTAB and Bill Hurley had a similar tale to tell on the Eels-Penrith clash but said the final between Canberra and Sydney was attracting much less interest.
Edwards, however, said SportOdds had taken a couple of significant wagers, including $18,000 on Sydney at $1.28 and $20,000 at $1.25.
PUNTERS believe the wheels have fallen off Carlton's AFL flag aspirations, if the betting on their final against Melbourne this weekend is any guide.
With the Blues having a few injury worries, the money has arrived for the Demons to knock them off.
The Demons have attracted a bet of $15,000 with 10.5 points start at $1.90 with Bill Hurley. A sustained flow of money had the line trim up to 8.5 points but that didn't stop another punter putting $10,000 on, also at $1.90.
SportOdds punters have jumped on the Demons to win, with a total of $10,500 going on at quotes of $2.20 and $2.10.
In other games, Hurley's spokesman Col Herbert said the Kangaroos had been ``specked" in what was turning into a good betting match against Essendon.
``The Kangaroos were backed at $4 to win the game and have firmed into $3.75, while there was good interest in them with 25.5 points start," Herbert said.
``Hawthorn have also been well backed in their game against Geelong.
``It was interesting to note that last week all the firmers in the AFL got the cash." PUNTERS love to jump on the bandwagon. Ferrari's Rubens Barrichello scored his first Formula One Grand Prix win at Hockenheim, Germany, a fortnight ago.
One optimist thinks the Brazilian will make it two in a row after having $1,500 on him with SportOdds to win the Hungarian GP this weekend at $7.50.
Flying Finn Mika Hakkinen attracted support with a bet of $2,000 at $2.75, while Michael Schumacher, favourite at SportOdds and SportsTAB, is friendless.
``Early in the championship everyone wanted to back Schumacher but no-one wants to go near him now," Edwards said.
Might have something to do with his not finishing many races of late.
THE English soccer season curtain-raiser, the Charity Shield, is being played between Man-chester United and Chelsea this weekend. Premier League winners United are clear favourites over FA Cup winners Chelsea.
PREPARATIONS for next week's US PGA Championship will be complete after this weekend's Buick Open.
Tiger Woods is a dominant favourite for both events but that hasn't deterred one Bill Hurley punter from having a bet.
The punter put his faith, and his $3,000 each way, on Vijay Singh at $21 to win the Buick.
SportsTAB has released a handicap market on the PGA. Woods, at $21, must beat the entire field by 18 shots to be guaranteed of victory in that category.
THE BEST BETS
Rugby league
Parramatta at $1.90 with Davidson's giving 3.5 points start against Penrith.
AFL
Essendon at $1.90 with SportOdds giving 24.5 points start against the Kangaroos.
Soccer
Draw at $3.40 with SportsTAB, Manchester United v Chelsea.
Biggest winner: $45,000. A Bill Hurley punter who invested $45,000 on Port Adelaide against Adelaide in the AFL.
Biggest loser: $50,000. A CentreBet punter who backed the All Blacks at $1.58 against Australia in the Bledisloe Cup decider.
SportsTAB's Top 10 of the Week:
$80,000 at $1.18 on Brisbane against the Sharks NRL.
$30,000 at $1.40 on Newcastle against Melbourne NRL.
$15,000 at $1.70 on Parramatta against Penrith NRL.
$15,000 at $1.85 on total points under 49.5 between Canberra and Sydney NRL.
$12,000 at $1.40 on Sydney against Canberra NRL.
$10,000 at $1.85 on Western Bulldogs +27.5 against Brisbane AFL.
$10,000 at $1.85 on total points under 50.5 Brisbane v Sharks NRL.
$9,000 at $2.30 on Melbourne against Carlton AFL.
$9,000 at $1.85 on Melbourne +13.5 against Carlton AFL.
$8,000 at $1.40 on Sydney against Canberra NRL.
© 2000 Sydney Morning Herald