Rugby League: Challenge Cup - Final

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As you are all probably aware, it's the Challenge Cup final this weekend contested by St Helens vs Huddersfield Giants Many people predict a landslide victory for the table topping Saints side, who have been, by far, the most consistent team in Super League this year. Futhermore, most of their 1st team were rested last week for the trip to France to face Les Catalans. The game cant be said for the Huddersfield Giants, who lost a tough game last week vs Wigan, thus further dragging them into this on going relegation battle. 80 min handicap: St Helens (-18pt general) vs Huddersfield Giants (+20pts skybet) 40 min handicap: St Helens (-8pt totesportl) vs Huddersfield Giants (+10pts skybet) Total points: 0-48pts @ 1.90 / 49pts+ @ 1.90 (totesport) St Helens total points: Over 32.5pts @ 1.90 / Under 32.5pts+ @ 1.90 (totesport) Huddersfield total points: Over 16.5pts @ 1.90 / Under 16.5pts+ @ 1.90 (totesport) For all other markets, click here: http://odds.bestbetting.com/rugby-league/england/challenge-cup/matches/st-helens-v-huddersfield All thoughts welcome.... More to follow

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Re: Rugby League: Challenge Cup - Final Here is Mr Millward's views on the Challenge Cup final......

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Cunningham - first try-scorer pick. GIANTS THE HANDICAP PICK By Ian Millward Betting Box Tipping Guide BETTING BOX FIXED ODDS 5.5pts Huddersfield (+20) on handicap at 10/11 (Skybet, Sporting Odds). Will keep grinding and can stay in sight of St Helens. 2.5pts under 50.5 total points at 5/6 (Sporting Odds). Scores have been low recently in the game and weather could play a part. 1pt on Keiron Cunningham to be first tryscorer at 20/1 (Skybet). Remains very tough to stop by the tryline. 1pt on Jason Hooper to be first tryscorer at 25/1 (Skybet). Has a knack of coming up with the opener in big games. 2pts on Paul Wellens to win the Lance Todd Trophy at 13/2 (bet365). Ultra-consistent and in outstanding form currently. I expect St Helens to beat Huddersfield in the Powergen Challenge Cup final but they are not a betting proposition. So punters will have to go for the exotic markets - handicaps, man of the match and total points. I think it will be an interesting first half as St Helens in the last fortnight have rested their players against Catalans after winning 76-4 the previous week at Castleford. It means they have not played much rugby league. They will be fresh but could start a little rusty. If the weather is wet as predicted it could be quite a tight game and that will suit Huddersfield and could minimize the points. I think St Helens have too much class, too many skilful players and have an abundance of riches. But I get a funny feeling Huddersfield will make it difficult and could stay inside the handicap without winning. The Giants could prove a little more hardened although nowhere near as skilful. If you can get Huddersfield with a 20-point start that looks like the bet to be on. It means that St Helens would have to score more than three tries and that should see the Giants give you a good run for your money. As far as total points is concerned, the biggest problem will be the weather. I remember when I was coaching for St Helens in a final it was sunny in the first half and poured after the break and the score was 13-6. If it turns nasty you would want to be low of the total - it is a bet to have in-running perhaps. We also have to also take into account that it has been a long time since a high-scoring final - 1999 when Leeds beat London. We will have to go with history the and select under 50.5 points. In terms of the first tryscorer, have a look at Keiron Cunningham. He is very difficult to stop near the tryline and perhaps another player to consider is Jason Hooper. He has a knack in big games of coming up with the first try and those two look good value at decent odds. The Lance Todd Trophy is for the man of the match. Cunningham has won everything in the game bar this and that usually pulls at the heart strings of the journalists who vote for the award. Another who is in outstanding form at the moment is Paul Wellens as he is so reliable. Cunningham will have to make a big impact early as he could be replaced in the game so stick with Wellens in this market.