Rugby League - Northern Rail Cup. Outright winner and Group betting

[Punto83]

<?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" />Outright winnerWidnes Vikings 3.25 <?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" />	Batley Bulldogs 41.00	Gateshead Thunder 151.00
HullKingston Rovers 3.75	Dewsbury Rams 41.00	Barrow Raiders 201.00
Leigh Centurions 4.50	WorkingtonTown 51.00	Sheffield Eagles 201.00
Whitehaven 7.00	Celtic Crusaders 51.00	Keighley Cougars 251.00
Halifax Rlfc 11.00	Oldham 67.00	Blackpool Panthers 501.00
Rochdale Hornets 21.00	Swinton Lions 101.00	London Skolars 1501.00
Doncaster Lakers 21.00	Hunslet Hawks 151.00	St Albans Centurions 2001.00
YorkCity Knights 34.00	Featherstone Rovers 151.00	Hemel Hempstead Stags 2501.00

Group Betting (to finish top) Group 1

Celtic Crusaders 1.10

London Skolars 6.50

St Albans Centurions 26.00

Hemel Hempstead Stags 34.00

Group 2

Whitehaven 1.17

WorkingtonTown 5.50

Barrow Raiders 26.00

Gateshead Thunder 34.00

Group 3

Doncaster Lakers 1.80

Dewsbury Rams 3.75

Batley Bulldogs 3.75

Hunslet Hawks 34.00

Group 4

Widnes Vikings 1.61

Leigh Centurions 2.20

Swinton Lions 26.00

Blackpool Panthers 101.00

Group 5

Halifax Rlfc 1.57

Rochdale Hornets 2.62

Oldham 11.00

Keighley Cougars 51.00

Group 6

HullKingston Rovers 1.17

YorkCity Knights 6.00

Featherstone Rovers 15.00

Sheffield Eagles 26.00

A week on Sunday the preliminary tournament for clubs outside Super League (National Leagues 1 and 2 ) kicks off, The Northern Rail Cup :nana . Basically teams in each group play each other twice. Each year they always mess about with the format and with 6 groups I presume that the top 2 from each group will go through to knock out stages with 4 “best of the rest†of teams going through to make it 16 but I’m not sure. I will have to get confirmation though and when I find out post it on here.

This was seen as a mickey mouse competition by many but last season teams took it more seriously with Hull Kr beating Castleford in the final in front of a full Blackpool ground. The competition is not a priority for any of the teams but a good indication how the league season may pan out.

For the outright winner, it’s hard to look at anyone apart from Widnes, Leigh and Hull KR. All three teams will be basically playing with full time squads, with full time coaching staff compared to the other clubs who may have 2 or 3 full timers (apart from Celtic).

Looking at the groups in turn.

Group 1 – Celtic Crusaders are new club based in Bridgend with the majority of their squad Australian. These are real unknown club with many of their players coming from the reserve ranks of Australian clubs but some have NRL experience. To be honest I wouldn’t bet on them for this very reason, the players are undoubtedly quality but they haven’t played yet. I’d be very tempted to consider putting a small stake on London Skolars to win the group. I think that’s a good price. Wouldn’t consider the other two teams in the group, they are amateur and just their to make up the numbers.

Tip – London Skolars to win the group @ 6.50:D

Group 2 – Nothing really to consider here, Whitehaven have got to the Grand Final of NL1 for the past two seasons but I think they will be a bit weaker this season. They will be too strong for the 3 other teams though as they are all from NL2. Workington could spring a surprise but I very much doubt it.

Tip – If you looking for a banker, Whitehaven @ 1.17:)

Group 3 – The most interesting group of them all I think and it’s reflected in the odds. Doncaster are odds on to win the group but I don’t think it will be easy for them. Unfortunately their coach died whilst holding training session on New Years Eve and the assistant has taken over. It’s Doncaster’s ambition to push for Super League once they move to their new stadium and they brought some experienced pro’s to the club.

I really fancy Dewsbury to do well this season, they have bought some quality to the club in the close season and spent a heck of a lot of money on recruitment. I think they will walk NL2. If they were in NL1 I think they would make the play off’s and are definitely on a par with Doncaster, if not better. After missing out on promotion last time out they will be looking for automatic promotion

Batley are in NL1 by the skin of their teeth after beating Dewsbury last season to stay in NL1. They haven’t really signed anyone of note and I think they will get relegated from NL1 this season.

Hunslet will struggle but have signed a couple of experienced players but they won’t make an impact here.

Tip – This will be my main bet, Dewsbury to win the group @ 3.75 :clap :clap

Group 4 – Another interesting group, it’s a straight race for top spot between the two relegated sides, Widnes and Leigh. Widnes look to have the strongest squad but it’s been a while since they have played in the National Leagues. They have a cracking coach in McCormack who guided Whitehaven to consecutive grand finals. Leigh have spent the majority of recent season down in the National Leagues and know what it’s all about.

I don’t think I’ll be betting on this group.:sad

Group 5 – Another tricky group with 3 NL1 sides in. Last season Halifax made the play offs in the league season and have a good squad. Rochdale have lost head coach Bobbie Goulding whilst Oldham also struggled a bit last season. Another hard group to call. The odds don’t really excite me there so I think I’ll be leaving it alone. :eyes

Group 6 – Hull KR should have no problems getting through the group and are 2^nd favourites to win the entire competition. They have a very good squad and with many full time players. York however are quickly developing club with high aspirations. They will also go through because Featherstone and Sheffield from NL2 are simply not good enough.

The match odd’s will be interesting for all the games and there will be some value to be had. Anyway my main tip is Dewsbury to win their group and also a small stake, speculative stake on Skolars. :ok

[rugbylad]

Re: Rugby League - Northern Rail Cup. Outright winner and Group betting Superb write-up there Punto :ok Must admit my NL1 & 2 knowledge is poor.....but great to see it posted on here!!