So for the first time I write this blog in negative territory. Yesterday I just got it wrong, but back to the grindstone today with a view good looking opportunities. And for the first time in a while there will be a blog tomorrow.

6.00 Byrd to beat Stenson 5/4 (LOST -2.22 - A very tight game with never more than one hole in it, but unfotunately the decisive one hole was Stenson's)
Matchplay throws up other factors that would not normally be considered for 2- or 3-ball betting. And this match has some such factors. Normally you would fancy Henrik Stenson to beat Jon Byrd more often than not, but Stenson has toiled this week while Byrd has had relatively light week so far. Stenson played all 18 holes to beat Robert Allenby on Wednesday and then took 25 holes to shake off Trevor Immelman yesterday. So that's almost a whole round more than Byrd who beat Ernie Els 6&5 and Andres Romero 6&4 (who had beaten the Goose 2&1) - so a difficult quartet to emerge from, and he did it with ease. He hasn't had a single bogey yet and is -10 for the 26 holes he has played (Romero conceded before the 14th was finished), while Stenson is -9 having finished 17 holes more. So Byrd is playing better and is fresher, but the bookies are still siding with the Swede, giving us odds against our man.

7.30 St Helens to beat Bradford 6/4 (WON -0.72 - Saints blitzed the Bulls early on and 16-0 was too much)
St Helens are generally 9/4 joint favourites with Leeds to win Super League again this season, with Bradford 6/1 third favourites. And Saints showed why they are widely regarded as the best side in this country when they turned on the style last Friday against Warrington in the second half last Friday night, seemingly scoring 3 tries at will within 10 minutes. Bradford also, in fairness, showed their ability with a 38-12 win over Huddersfield. And Saints have former Man of Steel and captain Paul Sculthorpe back in their 20 tonight, as is centre Willie Talau. And these additions to an already formidable unit, are why my eyes popped out at the 6/4 available for my Super League favourites.

7.30 Wigan -8pts to beat Hull 6/5 (LOST - 1.72 - When Wigan went 22-14 ahead with 20 minutes to go we looked good, but a spirited comeback from Hull saw them win 24-22)
Wigan started the season slowly, having to come from behind to beat Harlequins and then easing past Castleford last Friday. Hull however would take any positives they can currently, with an ever lengthening injury list and going down 24-6 at home to Harlequins last Sunday. I expect Wigan to maintain their 100% win record and Hull their 100% loss record and the -8 handicap at 6/5 looks well worth taking. If you dont feel comfortable at 8, Betfred are offering -4 at 10/11, as opposed to -6 generally available at that price.