Rugby League: SL, NL & Challenge Cup Semi Finals

[leespam]

Hope nobody minds me putting this up Super League Round 16 (rescheduled) Friday 25 July 2008 Wigan Warriors (-10) v Huddersfield Giants (+14) (20:00BST) Details Challenge Cup Semi Finals

Saturday 26 July 2008	Home	Away
Leeds Rhinos v St Helens (12:30BST)	+4	-4	BBC ONE	Details »
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Sunday 27 July 2008	Home	Away
Wakefield Trinity v Hull FC (15:30BST)	+6	-6	BBC TWO	Details »

National League One

Friday 25 July 2008	Home	Away
Salford City Reds v Leigh Centurions (20:00BST)	-14	+14		Details »
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Sheffield Eagles v Featherstone Rovers (20:00BST)	-4	+4	S4C	Details »
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Sunday 27 July 2008	Home	Away
Batley Bulldogs v Celtic Crusaders (15:00BST)	+10	-10	S4C	Details »
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Widnes Vikings v Dewsbury Rams (15:00BST)	-18	+18		Details »

National League Two

Friday 25 July 2008	Home	Away
Doncaster v Blackpool (20:00BST)	-24	+24	Details »
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Saturday 26 July 2008	Home	Away
London Skolars v Gateshead (15:00BST)	+12	-12	Details »
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Sunday 27 July 2008	Home	Away
Hunslet Hawks v Workington (15:00BST)	-6	+6	Details »
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Oldham v Keighley (15:00BST)	-12	+12	Details »
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Rochdale v Barrow Raiders (15:00BST)	+8	-8	Details »
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York City v Swinton Lions (15:00BST)	-20	+20	Details »

Have taken one in the Challenge Cup Semi's which I'll put up in a bit...

[leespam]

Re: Rugby League: SL, NL & Challenge Cup Semi Finals Have followed the form this weekend…

Hull face Wakefield in Sunday’s Challenge Cup Semi Final with both teams in contrasting form. Hull were victors against their local rivals KR 44-18 last time out having defeated this weekend’s opponents the week previous 26-18 at Belle Vue. Wakefield on the other hand have lost their last 4 including a 24-10 defeat at Bradford last time out and a dismal defensive performance at Warrington losing 60-24.

A lot has been said regarding Wakefield coach John Kear’s talent for producing great cup performances, but the nature of their last 4 matches worries me. Going forward they have failed to break the 20pt barrier in 3 of their last 4 and - to me anyways – they seem to have lost a bit of that early season confidence when approaching the opponents try line.

Hull on the other hand, seem to be hitting form at the right time. They have some experienced players due to return in Raynor, Carvell and Dykes but it may be that one of them may be disappointed as the likes of Hall and Briscoe have done well in the last few weeks. Coach Richard Agar has spoken of his delight at the selection problems it has posed him and if I were him I’d be tempted to leave the youngsters in.

All in all, at -6 (-4 available in places) I reckon they’re a good bet to beat an off-colour Wakey this weekend. Cup rugby can be a bit unpredictable – and if anyone can engineer a ‘shock’ it is Kear - but as it is my money’s on Hull this weekend.

Am going to the Leeds v Saints game so will have enough emotional investment in that one to make up for any lack of financial. Severely tempted by Ladbrokes’ 13/8 Leeds as I reckon the teams should be closer but can’t bring myself to bet on it as I know my Leeds-tinted glasses are likely to be influencing me :unsure.

3pts Hull (-6) to beat Wakefield @ 10/11 (-4 available at Boyles, Betdirect, Stan James – gotta stop taking prices earlier on in the week :wall)

GL all… :hope :ok