Western Force shape as also-rans, say bookies
I'm going to find me the nearest Centrebet
Western Force shape as also-rans, say bookies
29th January 2008, 8:00 WST West Australian
No team climbed the Super 14 ladder faster last year than the Western Force but the Perth club still can’t find favour with bookmakers around the world.
Australian and English betting agencies have the Force sliding two places to ninth this year, despite them leaping from 14th in 2006 to seventh in 2007 and retaining most of the team responsible for the rise.
Ladbrokes of England and Australia’s Centrebet have the Force on the ninth line at $33 and $34.
Both have installed the Crusaders as favourites, but they differ on the composition of the semifinals.
Ladbrokes opts for the Bulls, Blues and Sharks or Hurricanes to reach the business end of the season and Centrebet favours the Blues, Waratahs and Bulls or Chiefs.
The Bulls beat the Sharks in last year’s final.
Both bookies have the Highlanders and Lions disputing ownership of the wooden spoon.
• NSW stars Rocky Elsom, 24, and Wycliff Palu, 25, may be lost to the riches of European clubs at the end of 2008. The pair come off contract this year. The ARU have reportedly told Elsom to look overseas if he wants an improved contract as the governing body tightens player salaries.
SUPER 14 MARKETS
Ladbrokes: Crusaders $2.50, Bulls $3.50, Blues $3.50, Hurricanes $9, Sharks $9, Chiefs $10, Waratahs $12, Brumbies $20, Force $33, Cheetahs $40, Stormers $50, Highlanders $100, Lions $100, Reds $100.
Centrebet: Crusaders $3.50, Blues $4.50, Waratahs $6, Bulls $9, Chiefs $9, Sharks $11, Hurricanes $13, Brumbies $23, Force $34, Reds $51, Stormers $51, Cheetahs $67, Lions $201, Highlanders $201.
DAVE HUGHES
