Football and Darts

Gradually the sporting action is ramping back up towards the weekend. And Thursday night is darts night. The Premier League is not back yet, but every night this week we have the Sky Poker Grand Prix from Dublin, and all the big guns are out for the prize. And there's more non-league football to enjoy on Setanta. In amongst the highlights of the first day's play from Bangalore!

7.00 Walsh & Taylor Double 4/3 (LOST +8.64 - Walsh never turned up but Taylor was imperious. Averaging over 100 when you have to double in is just immense)
There is no point in betting against Phil Taylor in this tournament now. He's won 18 tournaments in the last seven months, and after getting over the tricky three set first round he's already cruising in style again, averaging 96.72 - 7 points more than tonight's opponent Colin Osborne and firing more 140 and 180s despite playing a leg less. He has lost in the first round of this tournament 3 times, but on the seven previous occasions he has made it through he has won the tournament! 1-6 isn't a massive price for the Power to beat Colin Osbourne, but its safer than an Icelandic bank! Mark Walsh has reached three semi-finals this season including the Windy City Open where he beat tonight's opponent Terry Jenkins 3-2. And their first round performances here also give Walsh the edge. Jenkins averaged just 80.44 in his 2-0 win over Mick Magowan, while Walsh took 3 legs to beat Steve Beaton, but averaged 85.84. Those looking for omens, will note that Walsh beat Beaton in the previous round when they met in Chicago, before losing 3-2 in the semi's to Wayne Mardle. I would have Walsh as slight favourite but the bookies go the other way, so take advantage.

7.45 Tim Sills to score first goal 5/1 e/w (LOST +7.64 - a 1-1 draw and our man didn't net. Annoyingly the 22/1 Oxford goalscorer was the other one I mulled over then dismissed given they were away!)
After a slow start to the season taking just five points from seven games, Torquay have won five and drawn one of their last six games, scoring 7 times in their last three home games. It is probably no coincidence that this turnaround goes hand in hand with Tim Sills finding his scoring boots. He had scored 19 in 41 games for Torquay before the season started, but, after scoring on the opening day, went 6 games without netting again. He is now 4 from 13 games, with two in his last two, so current form, and his career stats suggest 5/1 the first goal is generous. On his goals to game ratio, this price for the first goal works on Torquay scoring 2.1 goals - the spread companies quotes are 1.6-1.8. Go get it!