It is less than 40 hours since that moment. When jaws dropped across the country as the exit poll provided a snapshot of what was to come. Yet, whilst the time is yet to come for considered analysis to take place, the time has arrived for initial reaction to be provided. So with the benefit of nothing other than the official results, initial reaction and my own thinking, here are five takeaways from the election that surprised Britain. All thoughts seem to be out of line with the main analysis emerging so I wanted to get them down on paper.
The Return to 2 Party Politics
It seems to be the mantra of all that this was the return to 2 party policies and with the 2 main parties amassing over 82% of the vote that does seem a reasonable take at first. However, I disagree.
What this election provided first and foremost was a result of the electoral system allied with an increasing understanding of it. I have not yet crunched the statistics, but I think this was the election when people had a choice of one or the other. The concept of wasted votes and removing a candidate caught on in a way that it had not done previously.
Equally, this was assisted by the rejection of the centre. A topic which fascinates me and I shall return to at a later time. For as long as I have followed elections, they have been fought from the centre with the differences between the two leading parties evident yet narrow. This was different. Both parties had moved away from the centre, approaching positions in some ways reminiscent of 1983. Ironically, this neutered the protest vote. Those who considered the Tories too wet previously, returned. Those who considered Labour too Blairite, returned.
However, not for one second do the stances of the main parties represent 82% of the voting electorate. In fact, more than ever a number of political followers are homeless. How they move forward will be of great interest.
Negative Campaigns work. When all is well.
It is universally agreed that the Tory campaign was negative. It focused more on the fears of people, than their hopes. Such campaigning is not new but well established and it is well established because it works.
However, negative campaigning can only work when the alternative is something to genuinely be afraid of. In 2015 for instance, the Tories were able to latch onto fears that Labour could erode the work they claimed to have done to help the country move forward.
2017 was different. There are nurses using food banks. The NHS is in peril. Schools are underfunded and becoming over crowded. And whilst I am reticent to mention them, the recent murders in Manchester and London raised the spectre of people's security.
Yes, people may believe that Labour's approach could make things worse. But when things are already unpleasant, the risk becomes one worth taking. And focusing on the alternative only serves to bring to mind people's dissatisfaction with the status quo.
Road to hard Brexit
The result of the election has led many to claim that hard Brexit is dead. It can no longer be achieved and whilst I agree that the road to hard Brexit is now more difficult, I still share a huge fear this will happen and I think it could happen in a relatively straightforward way.
To realise why that could happen however, one needs to consider the view of some towards Brexit. For a number of politicians, Brexit is their raison d'etre. It is their political dream. It is what they got into politics for and what they want more than anything.
Whilst the number of politicians who share this view is low (I am referring to the likes of Steve Baker, Bill Cash, John Redwood, Iain Duncan Smith and Jacob Rees Mogg), their influence is not. Ever since Maastricht, the right wing, Brexit supporting faction of the Tory party have held an influence far greater than their numbers alone. Allied with a press that, at best is hostile to the EU, they have used this influence to keep Europe on the agenda at all times. For as badly as David Cameron's referendum strategy paid off, such a move was necessary to try to once and for all deal with this faction.
Whilst she may not belong to this faction, Theresa May was even before the election little more than a stitch in their pocket. Indeed, her tone between the Maidenhead count and the speech outside 10 Downing Street coincided with these politicians coming to the airwaves demanding she stay. A desire she acquiesced to, as opposed to David Cameron's response following the EU referendum.
Using their latest pawn, EU negotiations could commence in line with expectations before British withdrawal on the grounds of a lack of EU co-operation. At this point, May resigns observing that she has not got the support of the British public to carry on with these negotiations and that a new face is needed. At this point, EU hostility within the media is raised to fever pitch.
A new leader emerges and, whilst compromising on some issues such as the total immigration cap, uses this hostility, conducts negotiations on a basis in line with the wishes of the Tory right. At this point, I would not even rule out a new election. The Tories learning the lesson from this election, run a more positive campaign overall, compromising on austerity whilst continuing to heavily criticise the Corbyn approach to win a majority.
Maybe my pessimism is shining through but after observing the power the Tory right holds, I do not think Hard Brexit is going away anytime soon.
Contradiction of Corbyn
Going into this election, the majority of the focus was on the dissatisfaction with Jeremy Corbyn. From his appearance to his approach to his words, anything and everything was up for criticism. Yet throughout the campaign, the more air time he received, the more populist policies he espoused, the more the dissatisfaction quietened. So, was it all the Blairites fault? Not quite.
The fact is that to many, Jeremy Corbyn possess cooties like a 5 year old girl does to a boy of the same age. In traditional Labour heartlands, he not only holds no appeal, he forces voters to move away from the party. The focus on the lack of Labour swing in the early North East seats were evidence of this. I know of many lifelong Labour voters who could not hold their nose to vote for Jeremy Corbyn. Yet, this disappeal is limited and mainly localised to seats where Labour can withhold such a swing.
Meanwhile, Corbyn has tremendous political appeal to those who years of centre ground politics had resulted in anti Labour tendencies. The rallies his appearances resulted in were truly unprecedented and helped, alongside a disastrous Tory campaign, to soften the national mood.
The Labour approach had very much been on not trying to appeal directly to Tory voters (although the triple lock was one exception), but rather to focus on their stance and hope that converted. It remains to be seen, outside of the youth vote, how much of the Labour vote was a vote for Corbyn or a vote against austerity. Certainly, the UKIP vote which seems to have broken far more evenly than anticipated appears to have been a result of a protest vote finding a different home.
Yet, going forward Labour continues to face many difficulties. As a Parliamentary leader, the Corbyn opposition was by any standards, woeful. He is a much better campaigner than he is at holding governments to account. Labour must improve in this area. Their Brexit stance is largely out of line with many young people and this needs clarifying.
However, regardless of one's views on Jeremy Corbyn, he has earned the right to a further period of opposition. Hopefully, his backbench critics will now offer him support and lend their experience at holding governments to account. A united Labour party is not just in the interest of Labour. It is in the interest of all in holding a marginal government to account.
A country divided
About the only thing the UK is able to agree on at the moment, is its division. Ever since the financial crisis, inequality has spread between the haves and the have nots with age, education and locality being the defining features.
The EU referendum, previous government policies and this election have done nothing but widen this chasm. Major cities attracting investment are on the up and have bounced back from 2008. Small towns continue to see their infrastructure crumble and together with population growth see a decline in the available public services.
Clearly, this can only be addressed by a restructure of public resources but the central fact appears to be that the country cannot support the standards all wish to have in the current economic situation. How to resolve this is the issue that the next government needs to focus on. Like a student with a deadline, sideshow attractions like Brexit continue to distract from the most pressing issue at hand. However, the clock is now approaching the deadline and there are still 500 words to write.
Saturday 10 June 2017
Sunday 30 April 2017
Brexit: A binary outcome for a non binary choice
Introductory Note: Ever since Brexit, I have ranted often and at length concerning the vote and the next steps. Here follows a multi part series where I attempt to condense these rants into structured arguments. As always, comments are positively encouraged.
When the electorate of the United Kingdom were presented with a sixteen word question on 23 June 2016 they did so in the knowledge that they were being afforded their say on arguably the most critical question ever asked of the nation. That this was the most important vote of their lifetime seemed to be just about the only matter that both the Remain and Leave camps could agree on, showcasing the difficulty of the dynamic that the country faces ten months on from this fateful day. Indeed, the question posed to the nation was remarkably simple - Should the United Kingdom remain a member of the European Union or leave the European Union? - although the eventual outcome is anything but. Yet, the referendum was utterly incapable of determining the next steps.Whilst the Leave vote did have official representation in the form of Vote Leave, they held no authority to determine what comes next. As a consequence, they were free to offer whatever they wanted safe in the knowledge that the eventual calories would never pile onto their waistline, or that their current waistline would ever be held to account.
You want immigration controls? Well, we can give you that. You want to take back control in general? Yes, we can offer that too. 350 million per week for the NHS? Let me get my chequebook. You want to sock it to the politicians? This is your opportunity. Iain Duncan Smith will even provide the transport. In comparison the Remain campaign, hamstrung by the actual and diplomatic realities of power, were constrained to offer such treats as 'No, Turkey is not in line to join the EU', and 'better the devil you know'. The latter in particular was a total misread of the public mood. A public who felt and continue to feel the actual effect of the late noughties financial crisis. A crisis in fact which the (otherwise miscast) 'elites' have been sheltered from and have arguably never fully understood the actual impact it has had on families across the nation.
Quite frankly, the standard of the discourse leading to the election was an all time low. At times it felt more like a Reality TV show chronicling the career of Boris Johnson than a discussion as to the future direction of a nation. Let alone the topic being arguably the most engrained and complicated of all issues facing the nation. Indeed, one could argue that leaving this option in the hands of citizens was an utter betrayal of the principles of representative democracy.
Immediately after the polls closed we were informed by some that a slender margin such as 52% opting to remain would not lead to the EU question going away. A message which curiously disappeared once 52% had opted to leave and which would subsequently lead to such farcical headlines as 'Enemies of the People', 'Saboteurs' and democracy deniers for anyone who dared to query the mandate offered by the referendum.
Still, what should the leave vote have led to? Well, in accordance with speeches by the only man with true authority, the Prime Minister, it should have been the immediate trigger of Article 50 and departure from the Single Market. Those two points, whilst actually countered by many of the leave camp who understood the immediate mess this would bring and possibly countered their otherwise legitimacy, were mainstays throughout the campaign but immediately discarded by the Prime Minister who recognised the fallacy of his position following the vote. So, the need to anoint a new leader of the nation.
However, ten months on we should now have clarity on the direction the country is seeking to go down. But not only do we not have that, we have polls showing that a majority of people still want to belong to the Single Market or Customs Union despite the new Prime Minister ruling these out. Worse still, the same polls show a staggeringly high proportion of Leavers undecided on these topics.
In law there is a concept of 'informed consent' whereby a contract can be declared null and void if one party did not fully understand the agreement. For obvious reasons this does not apply to political agreements, but one has to be concerned about the legitimacy of any agreement when there is substantial cloudiness over what has been agreed to. Even if one took the undecideds to remain so only on account of the complete picture being unknown (i.e. trading options are dependant upon other more important aspects), it still highlights the tenuous nature of the vote.
Now, the upcoming general election looks to set out even fewer certainties concerning the Brexit decision. What is the position of EU citizens? What is the divorce bill? What will be the future trading options? Do we need to cap immigration? What can we offer other countries we need to set up trade agreements with?
The same electorate who were entrusted with the future of the country ten months ago are now treated with the derision of vacuous soundbites concerning 'strong and stable leadership' and the need to give a 'strong hand' for negotiations despite the public already having voted for Brexit and Parliament having approved the official trigger to negotiations. However, the truth is that a General Election is not required or able to lend credence to Brexit. As it currently stands, it is nothing but an irrelevant sideshow.
Meanwhile, those who cite remainers as being democracy deniers could not be further from the truth. Brexit showcased a disillusionment with the current direction of the country but gave no mandate for next steps. The only democratic justification for Brexit can be a future referendum with specific options for the next steps, along with an option to remain. Then, and only then, can it truly be said that the British public have endorsed Brexit.
Tuesday 25 April 2017
Election Nights - What can 2015, Brexit and Trump teach us?
Over the past two years I have traded three very distinct, extraordinarily unique and utterly disturbing political events. What follows is my attempt to distil the key lessons from these markets, even if I feel that the similarities to the impending General Election are quite low.
By way of background, I have only ever entered the markets after the polling booths have closed. There is no doubt that there is extreme opportunity before the polling booths close but that is beyond the scope of this post. Equally, whilst these markets have ended up with some of my largest 'one and done' profits, this has largely been on account of my refusal to hedge on account of diametric opposition to the eventual outcome. (not a recommended approach) Also, this post relies solely upon my memory so exact timings / odds may not be entirely accurate.
I would also note that at all times, my approach consisted on focusing on both the eventual outcome and side markets with multiple options. Clearly, I won't be contesting the markets as keenly this time around so I am not losing anything when I say that the latter is traditionally more advantageous. After all, the more options available - subject to sufficient liquidity - the more opportunity there is to take positions. Equally, at a time when the likelihood of an underdog win is considered highly remote, multiple option markets could turn into the only real trading possibilities.
Obviously it goes without saying that the initial reaction - be it exit polls or the first confirmed results are vitally important. In all three events, the expected outcome has been heavily queried.
In the UK, exit polls have been rather reliable for some time now due to the very precise methodology that has been developed. I would query the likely accuracy of the exit polls this time as I consider that local swings will be much more volatile than national, but these should provide an opportunity. These provide a RESET button, although knowing the initial base is highly critical for reasons I shall come onto. I still have recollections of a Conservative / UKIP coalition trading in double figures after the exit poll in the 2015 election. Whilst this may have been partially due to low volumes, my bemusement at this was on account of the polling that predicted no (or tiny) UKIP advancement. Certainly, the notion they would have produced enough MPs to be party to a coalition was easily double figures itself!
Equally, I recall in all three markets that the initial movement was held up (or even reversed) after a short while. It was almost as if the market did not trust what it had been told. However, if a football team goes 2 - 0 up; even if it is a Conference side against a Premier League outfit, you must a) consider the advantage they hold but b) consider the reasons for that advantage.
Now, that's not to say that a Conservative majority government in 2015 should have seen that plunge to odds on from double figures, or that the Newcastle vote should have made Brexit favourite, but was it really right that a dynamic shift in expectations moved the market from 1.06 to the 1.2s? Make no doubt about it - for me the better price to lay (a bet, not a trade - 1.06 was a ridiculous trading price) was 1.2 when there was clear evidence to support a leave victory.
Political trading for mine also differs from normal trading in that I do not recommend an exit point. To start with, these are short events subject to rapid changes so stakes should be applied that you are comfortable with. However, the potential market movement and event developments are so diverse that you cannot accurately plan. What may look like value at one moment can be instantaneously turned on its head.
As should your approach. Do not be afraid to admit errors. I remember that I regularly initially sought to lock in a profit (usual approach) and then ended up reversing that into an alternate position when events suggested that, although I lost a couple of ticks, I should reverse (political approach). This is obviously easier in high liquidity markets but the recent volumes traded on politics suggests that this should not be an issue.
However, you can only take that approach if you are fully aware of what the key areas are. Clearly if you are trading the political markets you will have good knowledge, but you can always have more. Say there's a 6% swing in an early declared North East swing this time around. What is the sitting MP's Brexit position? What was their role in the campaign. How are the fringe parties contesting the seat? That's not to say that you need to have a filofax on every constituency and its area, but focus in on areas which you think could be critical. In the US election, the swing states were well known but were the voter precints?
Finally, in all markets there has been a spell where the outright value has been greatest. A few hours in, there is usually sufficient empirical evidence available to strongly indicate what the eventual outcome will be. Use it. I would say that those trading the markets have been spoiled recently as the sheer drift of the overturns has been such that there seems to have been a point in the evening where profit has looked to be secured.
Ironically, despite a tendency to green up myself far too early, this has been where the best value has originated. I seem to recall Leave being 2.0+ at 2 o clock in the morning even when all results were beginning to show a fairly steady swing away from expectations and of the size that would produce a Leave victory. Why did the price take so long to move? Well, I would suggest that was caused by those looking to lock in a profit and the sheer scale of the movement. You cannot sprint a 800m race for instance! However, if you are only doing a 200m race you can speed by and take the baton.
After this, I seem to recall there then being large swings as the markets cotton onto outcome reality and the battle between value and profit looks to reach maximum intensity. At this time if you are confident in your approach, you can look to add to your profit with consistency. These markets are not linear. There will be bumps in the road and if you sit there with a net waiting for one to be hit, you can occasionally collect.
Then, you can sit back. Knowing your pocket has been padded but knowing that the despair you may feel over the upcoming months will not have been truly recompensed by the outcome the public has chosen. But that's another story. For another day. For now, those are my initial reflections on trading political events. The biggest question that now remains is whether a similar reversal will happen this time...
As ever - any feedback is greatly welcomed; especially as I look to get back into blogging and am aware of the need to refine my style. Or, if anyone wishes to discuss the markets themselves further, feel free to message me on Twitter @ TheRealMoaner
Footnote - Main Markets Traded:
Politics / 07 May 2015 General Election : Overall Majority
Politics / 07 May 2015 General Election : Next Government
Politics / EU UK Membership Referendum : EU Referendum - Brexit
Politics / EU UK Membership Referendum : EU Referendum - to Remain Vote Percentage
Politics / 2016 US Presidential Election : Next President
By way of background, I have only ever entered the markets after the polling booths have closed. There is no doubt that there is extreme opportunity before the polling booths close but that is beyond the scope of this post. Equally, whilst these markets have ended up with some of my largest 'one and done' profits, this has largely been on account of my refusal to hedge on account of diametric opposition to the eventual outcome. (not a recommended approach) Also, this post relies solely upon my memory so exact timings / odds may not be entirely accurate.
I would also note that at all times, my approach consisted on focusing on both the eventual outcome and side markets with multiple options. Clearly, I won't be contesting the markets as keenly this time around so I am not losing anything when I say that the latter is traditionally more advantageous. After all, the more options available - subject to sufficient liquidity - the more opportunity there is to take positions. Equally, at a time when the likelihood of an underdog win is considered highly remote, multiple option markets could turn into the only real trading possibilities.
Obviously it goes without saying that the initial reaction - be it exit polls or the first confirmed results are vitally important. In all three events, the expected outcome has been heavily queried.
In the UK, exit polls have been rather reliable for some time now due to the very precise methodology that has been developed. I would query the likely accuracy of the exit polls this time as I consider that local swings will be much more volatile than national, but these should provide an opportunity. These provide a RESET button, although knowing the initial base is highly critical for reasons I shall come onto. I still have recollections of a Conservative / UKIP coalition trading in double figures after the exit poll in the 2015 election. Whilst this may have been partially due to low volumes, my bemusement at this was on account of the polling that predicted no (or tiny) UKIP advancement. Certainly, the notion they would have produced enough MPs to be party to a coalition was easily double figures itself!
Equally, I recall in all three markets that the initial movement was held up (or even reversed) after a short while. It was almost as if the market did not trust what it had been told. However, if a football team goes 2 - 0 up; even if it is a Conference side against a Premier League outfit, you must a) consider the advantage they hold but b) consider the reasons for that advantage.
Now, that's not to say that a Conservative majority government in 2015 should have seen that plunge to odds on from double figures, or that the Newcastle vote should have made Brexit favourite, but was it really right that a dynamic shift in expectations moved the market from 1.06 to the 1.2s? Make no doubt about it - for me the better price to lay (a bet, not a trade - 1.06 was a ridiculous trading price) was 1.2 when there was clear evidence to support a leave victory.
Political trading for mine also differs from normal trading in that I do not recommend an exit point. To start with, these are short events subject to rapid changes so stakes should be applied that you are comfortable with. However, the potential market movement and event developments are so diverse that you cannot accurately plan. What may look like value at one moment can be instantaneously turned on its head.
As should your approach. Do not be afraid to admit errors. I remember that I regularly initially sought to lock in a profit (usual approach) and then ended up reversing that into an alternate position when events suggested that, although I lost a couple of ticks, I should reverse (political approach). This is obviously easier in high liquidity markets but the recent volumes traded on politics suggests that this should not be an issue.
However, you can only take that approach if you are fully aware of what the key areas are. Clearly if you are trading the political markets you will have good knowledge, but you can always have more. Say there's a 6% swing in an early declared North East swing this time around. What is the sitting MP's Brexit position? What was their role in the campaign. How are the fringe parties contesting the seat? That's not to say that you need to have a filofax on every constituency and its area, but focus in on areas which you think could be critical. In the US election, the swing states were well known but were the voter precints?
Finally, in all markets there has been a spell where the outright value has been greatest. A few hours in, there is usually sufficient empirical evidence available to strongly indicate what the eventual outcome will be. Use it. I would say that those trading the markets have been spoiled recently as the sheer drift of the overturns has been such that there seems to have been a point in the evening where profit has looked to be secured.
Ironically, despite a tendency to green up myself far too early, this has been where the best value has originated. I seem to recall Leave being 2.0+ at 2 o clock in the morning even when all results were beginning to show a fairly steady swing away from expectations and of the size that would produce a Leave victory. Why did the price take so long to move? Well, I would suggest that was caused by those looking to lock in a profit and the sheer scale of the movement. You cannot sprint a 800m race for instance! However, if you are only doing a 200m race you can speed by and take the baton.
After this, I seem to recall there then being large swings as the markets cotton onto outcome reality and the battle between value and profit looks to reach maximum intensity. At this time if you are confident in your approach, you can look to add to your profit with consistency. These markets are not linear. There will be bumps in the road and if you sit there with a net waiting for one to be hit, you can occasionally collect.
Then, you can sit back. Knowing your pocket has been padded but knowing that the despair you may feel over the upcoming months will not have been truly recompensed by the outcome the public has chosen. But that's another story. For another day. For now, those are my initial reflections on trading political events. The biggest question that now remains is whether a similar reversal will happen this time...
As ever - any feedback is greatly welcomed; especially as I look to get back into blogging and am aware of the need to refine my style. Or, if anyone wishes to discuss the markets themselves further, feel free to message me on Twitter @ TheRealMoaner
Footnote - Main Markets Traded:
Politics / 07 May 2015 General Election : Overall Majority
Politics / 07 May 2015 General Election : Next Government
Politics / EU UK Membership Referendum : EU Referendum - Brexit
Politics / EU UK Membership Referendum : EU Referendum - to Remain Vote Percentage
Politics / 2016 US Presidential Election : Next President
Sunday 23 April 2017
A return to writing
So, if you are here, you may remember me from such inane mutterings on sports trading as how to trade the draw in rugby league, or laying sub 1.1 shots which somehow came off nearly almost as often as called, or how I was an idiot who couldn't hold his nerve when push came to shove. Or you may have just come here from Twitter, or stumbled across this page from nowhere. Regardless, welcome.
Over the past couple of weeks I have been looking for a reason to return to blogging and I am very grateful that the Prime Minister herself took time out of her schedule last Tuesday to provide me with an opportunity. For, at least over the next 6 weeks, I will look to focus my articles on the upcoming general election - using my recent experiences on Betfair primarily to offer insight on event trading and anything else which occupies my mind at 4pm on some idle Tuesday. (probably politics in general)
You'll have to bear with me though. I have never been the most judicious at using the English language (or writing, as you may say) so it may take some time for me to get back into the flow.
As for how things went personally in the six years since my last post, pretty well, thanks for asking. I'll cover this more at a later date but one of the main reasons I have looked to return to blogging is on account of reaching PC2 and the need to find some new interests to occupy my interests on a Saturday night as I feel the air is getting hot...
Over the past couple of weeks I have been looking for a reason to return to blogging and I am very grateful that the Prime Minister herself took time out of her schedule last Tuesday to provide me with an opportunity. For, at least over the next 6 weeks, I will look to focus my articles on the upcoming general election - using my recent experiences on Betfair primarily to offer insight on event trading and anything else which occupies my mind at 4pm on some idle Tuesday. (probably politics in general)
You'll have to bear with me though. I have never been the most judicious at using the English language (or writing, as you may say) so it may take some time for me to get back into the flow.
As for how things went personally in the six years since my last post, pretty well, thanks for asking. I'll cover this more at a later date but one of the main reasons I have looked to return to blogging is on account of reaching PC2 and the need to find some new interests to occupy my interests on a Saturday night as I feel the air is getting hot...
A general election quite like no other
"So we need a general election and we need one now, because we have at this moment a one-off chance to get this done while the European Union agrees its negotiating position and before the detailed talks begin." claimed Theresa May on the doorstep of 10 Downing Street as she sought to justify the ripping up of the Fixed Term Parliament Act.
General Elections always have key themes: It's the economy, stupid. Things can only get better. The pound. The coalition of instability. Yet, the central theme is always in the name. General.
The economy, NHS, schools, pensions, immigration, international development, you name it. Anything and everything is to be debated and decided upon prior to a general election. Indeed, the sheer variety of options on offer to the electorates often render a final decision incapable of being positive agreement. More, a considered 'least worst case option.' And that's not even considering the fact that public personalities always skew results to be more than just about principles.
But so it is that we approach the 2017 election, with such views being even more obscured than usual on account of the impending Brexit negotiations. To be frank, how can anyone choose whether to support a high or low tax agenda or an interventionist or laissez faire state approach when the underlying state of the economy is so murky. For those who attach themselves to such principles, Brexit may be no more a decider than an outcome. However, the number of people who hold such iron clad views is little more than a statistical anomaly in comparison to the electorate as a whole.
Yet, we are to believe that this election will, above all else, provide a 'mandate for Brexit'. A mandate for Brexit which apparently was not sufficiently delivered by a 51.9% support in June 2015. Despite this result being viewed as 'THE WILL OF THE PEOPLE'. Despite this result being nearly universally supported by a newspaper media frothing at its mouth over the outcome. Despite this mandate being wholeheartedly supported by 80% of the House of Commons, in contrast to the 51.9% support for Brexit per se.
This is my major difficulty with the 2017 election. It is being called, ostensibly, to provide support for a cause which has already been supported when this cause will not be entirely reflective in the final outcome, unlike the previous referendum. Of course in reality, the election has been called to exploit the current difficulties experienced by the official opposition whose leadership has sought only to alienate the vast majority of the constituents it looks to represent whilst the anti Brexit party continues to be hamstrung by its U turn on tuition fees (even if the current government's U turns are both more heavily numerous and significant).
More so, I do not believe that the electorate will cast their vote solely on account of Brexit, no matter the pre agenda coverage. Whilst Brexit is indeed the number one topic in the political classes, it is not necessarily so amongst the general public. Especially when we have not yet left the EU so are unable to confirm just how things will change. The general public may well have their primary concerns which are Brexit topics, but they may equally be influenced by a recent incident at a hospital, or their child's school. Perhaps they may be most concerned by who will most keep the nation safe in view of the global terrorism threat. Their latest energy bill could push them to the direction of a party which promises to regulate these. They may even vote on account of how they view their local MP or the performance of the political parties as a whole.
So this election will, in all probability, produce a result which explicitly supports the course of action the Government plans to take. It will certainly be used as such. Yet, whilst the Prime Minster may claim that this result will bring Westminster together as the country is coming together, specific Brexit polls which show steadfast 45% opposition in together with the c. 5 - 10% of the country who are diametrically opposed to Brexit will continue to feel alienated. Only, this election looks to further quieten those who continue to believe in the 48.1% of the country who disagreed with this policy decision.
A decision which looks likely to succeed in the short term but which may only increase the volume at a later date. Although by then the noise could well be cancelled out by something else.
General Elections always have key themes: It's the economy, stupid. Things can only get better. The pound. The coalition of instability. Yet, the central theme is always in the name. General.
The economy, NHS, schools, pensions, immigration, international development, you name it. Anything and everything is to be debated and decided upon prior to a general election. Indeed, the sheer variety of options on offer to the electorates often render a final decision incapable of being positive agreement. More, a considered 'least worst case option.' And that's not even considering the fact that public personalities always skew results to be more than just about principles.
But so it is that we approach the 2017 election, with such views being even more obscured than usual on account of the impending Brexit negotiations. To be frank, how can anyone choose whether to support a high or low tax agenda or an interventionist or laissez faire state approach when the underlying state of the economy is so murky. For those who attach themselves to such principles, Brexit may be no more a decider than an outcome. However, the number of people who hold such iron clad views is little more than a statistical anomaly in comparison to the electorate as a whole.
Yet, we are to believe that this election will, above all else, provide a 'mandate for Brexit'. A mandate for Brexit which apparently was not sufficiently delivered by a 51.9% support in June 2015. Despite this result being viewed as 'THE WILL OF THE PEOPLE'. Despite this result being nearly universally supported by a newspaper media frothing at its mouth over the outcome. Despite this mandate being wholeheartedly supported by 80% of the House of Commons, in contrast to the 51.9% support for Brexit per se.
This is my major difficulty with the 2017 election. It is being called, ostensibly, to provide support for a cause which has already been supported when this cause will not be entirely reflective in the final outcome, unlike the previous referendum. Of course in reality, the election has been called to exploit the current difficulties experienced by the official opposition whose leadership has sought only to alienate the vast majority of the constituents it looks to represent whilst the anti Brexit party continues to be hamstrung by its U turn on tuition fees (even if the current government's U turns are both more heavily numerous and significant).
More so, I do not believe that the electorate will cast their vote solely on account of Brexit, no matter the pre agenda coverage. Whilst Brexit is indeed the number one topic in the political classes, it is not necessarily so amongst the general public. Especially when we have not yet left the EU so are unable to confirm just how things will change. The general public may well have their primary concerns which are Brexit topics, but they may equally be influenced by a recent incident at a hospital, or their child's school. Perhaps they may be most concerned by who will most keep the nation safe in view of the global terrorism threat. Their latest energy bill could push them to the direction of a party which promises to regulate these. They may even vote on account of how they view their local MP or the performance of the political parties as a whole.
So this election will, in all probability, produce a result which explicitly supports the course of action the Government plans to take. It will certainly be used as such. Yet, whilst the Prime Minster may claim that this result will bring Westminster together as the country is coming together, specific Brexit polls which show steadfast 45% opposition in together with the c. 5 - 10% of the country who are diametrically opposed to Brexit will continue to feel alienated. Only, this election looks to further quieten those who continue to believe in the 48.1% of the country who disagreed with this policy decision.
A decision which looks likely to succeed in the short term but which may only increase the volume at a later date. Although by then the noise could well be cancelled out by something else.
Friday 8 April 2011
Round 9
Unfortunately, I haven't had time to place together my thoughts for this evening's games so I need to resort to listing them in sentence form!
Huddersfield v Warrington. Disagree with the market prices who look to have not factored in home advantage but I do fancy Warrington to sneak home and exact revenge for their first week loss.
Wigan v Catalans. A "justified" 1.1 shot but like last week, there's only one backable team.
Crusaders v St Helens. A fair price all things considered but Crusaders must be the option at the current odds.
Hull v Bradford. A scizophrenic side against a mediocre one. Anything could happen here so probably best to stay away.
Huddersfield v Warrington. Disagree with the market prices who look to have not factored in home advantage but I do fancy Warrington to sneak home and exact revenge for their first week loss.
Wigan v Catalans. A "justified" 1.1 shot but like last week, there's only one backable team.
Crusaders v St Helens. A fair price all things considered but Crusaders must be the option at the current odds.
Hull v Bradford. A scizophrenic side against a mediocre one. Anything could happen here so probably best to stay away.
Thursday 31 March 2011
Round 8
Last week I all but said that I expected my fortunes to take a downturn and it takes an excellent judge to be able to predict when they are wrong so I can at least take solace from that.
This week appears even harder to review and so I expect this to be the shortest preview yet.
The Friday night game on SKY is Wigan at Leeds and currently sees the visitors trading in the low 1.7s a price which appears fair. Leeds have been nothing short of poor this season and were incredibly unconvincing last week against Wakefield. However, they do remain a side which on paper, is capable of excellent results. One day, it will all click and they will produce the dominant performance they can do. Will it be against a Wigan side who will be desperate to avoid successive defeats. Well, it could be although it would be surprising. As with any SKY game, the value will come in play.
The other Friday night games see Castleford travel to Hull FC and Hull KR travel to St Helens. Hull FC showed their true schizophrenic powers at the weekend when they held a four point lead over Harlequins, conceded three straight tries in seven minutes before scoring four tries in the last fifteen minutes to win. It will surprise no-one then that I have no interest in a game where the market is fairly close.
The other game, Saints v Hull KR, screams out to be a game that I should be interested in. The home side on a good run of form against an away side who have been woeful recently. An over enthusiastic market then drives the price of the home side down too low. However, my stomach isn’t interested in this although my head is. Maybe a small back of the away side might be in order but it isn’t a game that I am overly confident on.
Saturday night sees more of the same when Salford host Crusaders. An in form home side against an away side out of sorts although again, I have reservations. This one is easier to explain in that Crusaders demolished Salford in Round 1. That is therefore more likely to act as a barrier against complacency for the home side and as a roadblock to the market driving the price down irrationally; even moreso when considering that these are two sides who aren’t regularly featured on SKY. Still, the pre match value does lie with Crusaders but I expect the biggest value to emerge in play.
Sunday sees two expected walkovers and a stroll in the park. Will it be that simple?
Warrington v Catalans reminds me of one of my earliest oppositions to home favourites when in 2009 the home side traded as low as 1.06 against Catalans before losing. The fact that 1.06 is likely to be the starting point for this game best illustrates the direction the two teams have gone in since. Certainly, that 1.06 was more valuable than this 1.06, but at 1.06, there can only be one side that can be backed.
Huddersfield v Wakefield is likely to be another 1.0 starting price and whilst the away side is unquestionably where the best value lies, the prices do reflect the talent available to both sides. Wakefield have performed admirably against Warrington, Hull and Leeds in recent weeks but I do wonder whether they may just fail to reach that level of performance this time around. However, there is still only one option available.
The other game on Sunday is where my strongest feeling lies but even that, for my standards, is ten parts water to one part juice. Harlequins are coming off a thrashing by Warrington and a capitulation against Hull whilst Bradford are also haven’t been in the best form recently. However, the Yorkshire side are in the 1.3s which is definitely a price driven by home advantage rather than anything else.
Despite Harlequins recent poor performances, they have shown enough that they are a side at or around the level of Bradford and whilst the Bulls won’t be easing off just yet, they are significantly shorter than the price they should be. I therefore do expect Bradford to win, but I would not expect them to win with the regularity that the market does.
However, that is the issue. All these games are played one time and one time only and anything can, and usually does, happen.
This week appears even harder to review and so I expect this to be the shortest preview yet.
The Friday night game on SKY is Wigan at Leeds and currently sees the visitors trading in the low 1.7s a price which appears fair. Leeds have been nothing short of poor this season and were incredibly unconvincing last week against Wakefield. However, they do remain a side which on paper, is capable of excellent results. One day, it will all click and they will produce the dominant performance they can do. Will it be against a Wigan side who will be desperate to avoid successive defeats. Well, it could be although it would be surprising. As with any SKY game, the value will come in play.
The other Friday night games see Castleford travel to Hull FC and Hull KR travel to St Helens. Hull FC showed their true schizophrenic powers at the weekend when they held a four point lead over Harlequins, conceded three straight tries in seven minutes before scoring four tries in the last fifteen minutes to win. It will surprise no-one then that I have no interest in a game where the market is fairly close.
The other game, Saints v Hull KR, screams out to be a game that I should be interested in. The home side on a good run of form against an away side who have been woeful recently. An over enthusiastic market then drives the price of the home side down too low. However, my stomach isn’t interested in this although my head is. Maybe a small back of the away side might be in order but it isn’t a game that I am overly confident on.
Saturday night sees more of the same when Salford host Crusaders. An in form home side against an away side out of sorts although again, I have reservations. This one is easier to explain in that Crusaders demolished Salford in Round 1. That is therefore more likely to act as a barrier against complacency for the home side and as a roadblock to the market driving the price down irrationally; even moreso when considering that these are two sides who aren’t regularly featured on SKY. Still, the pre match value does lie with Crusaders but I expect the biggest value to emerge in play.
Sunday sees two expected walkovers and a stroll in the park. Will it be that simple?
Warrington v Catalans reminds me of one of my earliest oppositions to home favourites when in 2009 the home side traded as low as 1.06 against Catalans before losing. The fact that 1.06 is likely to be the starting point for this game best illustrates the direction the two teams have gone in since. Certainly, that 1.06 was more valuable than this 1.06, but at 1.06, there can only be one side that can be backed.
Huddersfield v Wakefield is likely to be another 1.0 starting price and whilst the away side is unquestionably where the best value lies, the prices do reflect the talent available to both sides. Wakefield have performed admirably against Warrington, Hull and Leeds in recent weeks but I do wonder whether they may just fail to reach that level of performance this time around. However, there is still only one option available.
The other game on Sunday is where my strongest feeling lies but even that, for my standards, is ten parts water to one part juice. Harlequins are coming off a thrashing by Warrington and a capitulation against Hull whilst Bradford are also haven’t been in the best form recently. However, the Yorkshire side are in the 1.3s which is definitely a price driven by home advantage rather than anything else.
Despite Harlequins recent poor performances, they have shown enough that they are a side at or around the level of Bradford and whilst the Bulls won’t be easing off just yet, they are significantly shorter than the price they should be. I therefore do expect Bradford to win, but I would not expect them to win with the regularity that the market does.
However, that is the issue. All these games are played one time and one time only and anything can, and usually does, happen.
Friday 25 March 2011
Round 7
Looking back on last week’s predictions were a real eye opener as it seemed that everything fell into place; with nearly all of my original thoughts being correct including predicting a Wakefield victory despite the Wildcats starting the game in double figures! One day I might grow the fortitude to trust my instincts (and remove the painful splinters from my bottom). Of course however, much of my success is down to randomness so I fully expect to have a couple of weeks where I get everything wrong; much like how I sometimes rate a team higher after a defeat than a victory. So without wanting to get everything wrong, let’s quickly look to this week’s games.
The big game of the week is the Friday night televised game between Wigan and Warrington which sees the two best sides in the competition go head to head. Usually in such games, my feelings towards home advantage automatically sways me to the visiting side, but yet again it seems that, contrary to history, the market is underrating Wigan significantly.
Let me make it clear, the best value should be found in play but I cannot understand why the reigning champions who have been very good this season should only be 1.75 favourites. Whilst they are missing some regular players, they have shown the strength in depth to cope with all but the worst injury crisis, and their opponents should not be over-estimated based upon a thrashing of an average side.
It certainly looks like the market is overreacting to Warrington’s impressive scoreline last week but once the match starts, that counts for nothing.
The other Friday night game sees St Helens host Bradford and Mick Potter return to his former club. I have been underwhelmed by Bradford this year whilst St Helens looked a different side last week once they fielded a 13 man team. The market therefore looks right for this game but if I had to choose, I would prefer the potential reward of the underdogs.
That is also true in the Saturday night game in France where Catalans are 1.4 to defeat a Salford side coming off an impressive victory last week. I’m not ready to buy into Catalans just yet and whilst their recent performances have been more impressive than I anticipated, I would not treat them as sub 1.5 favourites for any game.
The televised Saturday game sees two sides who lost as 1.5 favourites last week when Huddersfield travel to Hull KR. My gut feeling is that Huddersfield, at 1.6, are too short. That said, it is hard for me to piece together a convincing reason to back Hull KR. The best I could possibly do is to expect the Robins to look to kick start their season in front of the Sky cameras with a home crowd desperate for their side to live upto the hype but that is a weak argument!
Moving onto Sunday and Leeds v Wakefield looks to be appropriately priced. Whilst Wakefield are coming off a victory, Leeds impressed last week and are significantly the more talented side. Given Wakefield’s young squad, I expect two victories to be too much to string together.
The most intriguing game is Hull travelling to Harlequins in a game where I’d almost favour both sides to lose. Harlequins started the season very well but were woeful when losing 82 – 6 last week whilst Hull have only one victory all season and lost at home to Wakefield last week.
There is no doubting that Hull are the more talented side, significantly so on paper. However, they look to be in free fall whereas Harlequins’ loss was more likely to be a blip and a result of an average squad simply having little more to give. I therefore cannot agree with Hull being favourites, although given the potential variance in Hull’s performance level, whether Harlequins’ price is worthy of constituting value is questionable.
The final game on Sunday is Castleford hosting the Crusaders. I mentioned last week of Castleford possibly doing a Hull and if the Crusaders can produce their form from Round 1, they do have the ability to secure a shock victory. That said, the current odds look about right although like Saints v Bradford, if I had to choose, it wouldn’t take long to decide.
The big game of the week is the Friday night televised game between Wigan and Warrington which sees the two best sides in the competition go head to head. Usually in such games, my feelings towards home advantage automatically sways me to the visiting side, but yet again it seems that, contrary to history, the market is underrating Wigan significantly.
Let me make it clear, the best value should be found in play but I cannot understand why the reigning champions who have been very good this season should only be 1.75 favourites. Whilst they are missing some regular players, they have shown the strength in depth to cope with all but the worst injury crisis, and their opponents should not be over-estimated based upon a thrashing of an average side.
It certainly looks like the market is overreacting to Warrington’s impressive scoreline last week but once the match starts, that counts for nothing.
The other Friday night game sees St Helens host Bradford and Mick Potter return to his former club. I have been underwhelmed by Bradford this year whilst St Helens looked a different side last week once they fielded a 13 man team. The market therefore looks right for this game but if I had to choose, I would prefer the potential reward of the underdogs.
That is also true in the Saturday night game in France where Catalans are 1.4 to defeat a Salford side coming off an impressive victory last week. I’m not ready to buy into Catalans just yet and whilst their recent performances have been more impressive than I anticipated, I would not treat them as sub 1.5 favourites for any game.
The televised Saturday game sees two sides who lost as 1.5 favourites last week when Huddersfield travel to Hull KR. My gut feeling is that Huddersfield, at 1.6, are too short. That said, it is hard for me to piece together a convincing reason to back Hull KR. The best I could possibly do is to expect the Robins to look to kick start their season in front of the Sky cameras with a home crowd desperate for their side to live upto the hype but that is a weak argument!
Moving onto Sunday and Leeds v Wakefield looks to be appropriately priced. Whilst Wakefield are coming off a victory, Leeds impressed last week and are significantly the more talented side. Given Wakefield’s young squad, I expect two victories to be too much to string together.
The most intriguing game is Hull travelling to Harlequins in a game where I’d almost favour both sides to lose. Harlequins started the season very well but were woeful when losing 82 – 6 last week whilst Hull have only one victory all season and lost at home to Wakefield last week.
There is no doubting that Hull are the more talented side, significantly so on paper. However, they look to be in free fall whereas Harlequins’ loss was more likely to be a blip and a result of an average squad simply having little more to give. I therefore cannot agree with Hull being favourites, although given the potential variance in Hull’s performance level, whether Harlequins’ price is worthy of constituting value is questionable.
The final game on Sunday is Castleford hosting the Crusaders. I mentioned last week of Castleford possibly doing a Hull and if the Crusaders can produce their form from Round 1, they do have the ability to secure a shock victory. That said, the current odds look about right although like Saints v Bradford, if I had to choose, it wouldn’t take long to decide.
Thursday 17 March 2011
Round 6
After Friday night, we will be thirty eight games into the one hundred and eighty nine games scheduled to be played this season. With time flying by so quickly, I am determined to make these previews more and more concise. (Removing the second more would be a good start.)
There won’t be very many laughably priced games left at this rate. Certainly few as daft as Harlequins’ starting price of 7/1 against St Helens last week.
Friday’s night game is another that I will miss although this one is much more like Warrington v St Helens than Huddersfield v Harlequins. In other words, I disagree with the odds. At the start of the week, Huddersfield could be backed (or in my case, laid(!)) at around 2.0. However, following the suspension of the Tomkins brothers, the Giants are edging towards 1.5.
It is a difficult game to predict because Wigan are missing Sam Tomkins, Martin Gleeson, Pat Richards, Paul Deacon, Brett Finch, Stuart Fielden, Eammon O’Carroll and Joel Tomkins. Especially important is the loss of Tomkins, Deacon and Finch who are undoubtedly three of their most important creative players.
Meanwhile, for two years Huddersfield have slowly ascended into the top class of clubs although their success has been built more on consistency than creativity although the Danny Brough and Kevin Brown partnership is developing into a very good one.
However, I believe Wigan to be the better side and therefore I would make them favourites. Now, with the Tomkins’ suspensions and the lack of halfbacks, it is understandable the market would look to back a Huddersfield side coming off an impressive win but at a price nearing 1.5?
I’d be most confident that this game won’t produce many points, but I would look to favour Wigan who boast a terrific away record and a strong consistency and who have their backs up against the wall. However, whoever wins won’t shock me but at the current prices, there looks to be value with the Lancashire side.
There are three non televised games to accompany the main event and I don’t have much to say on two of them. Catalans and Crusaders are the two sides I feel least confident on and therefore I can’t find any value in this market whilst Salford v Hull KR looks to be priced correctly, although I remain expectant that Salford could, at some point this season, develop into the Top 8 side I thought I saw pre-season and at odds over 3, they do look the better value.
The other game in action this weekend is Hull FC v Wakefield. Likely to be priced in the 1.0s, I fancy Wakefield to win this. From watching last week’s game, Wakefield, whilst extremely limited in attack, showed exceptional character and a solid defence. Meanwhile, despite running Wigan close last week, Hull remain very much the schizophrenic side. Capable of brilliance or disaster and with no middle ground.
This is the type of game Wakefield can win. Now, as with any 1.0 shot, the price is there for a reason. However, returning to the club that he coached to Challenge Cup success, I believe John Kear can motivate his side to a shock victory which could see the end of Richard Agar’s reign in Hull.
On Wednesday this week, I would have made Leeds massive favourites for their mouth-watering tie against St Helens. The latter appeared very much to be a club in meltdown, insistent on allowing sides to play against them with a man advantage. Then however, something has happened to make departing Scrum Half Kyle Eastmond suspended for “Serious Misconduct”. Several will tell you this should be for a series of effortless displays which have to be seen to be believed, but apparently it may relate to the only action he has performed this year, which was giving an alleged V to fans who had the audacity to boo his performance although other darker rumours continue to circle in the background.
With that, I believe St Helens can win. From a market’s point of view, the loss of Eastmond is a blow as he is a central player. However, Eastmond’s sheer lack of effort and the likely increase to team morale that will form as the club bonds together in adversity act as positive factors in my view.
Whilst, as with any SKY game, the biggest value is likely to develop in play, I again have a fairly strong belief in the underdog away side.
Turning to Sunday and again Harlequins look likely to be massive underdogs away to a Lancashire side although given Warrington’s form, the price is more understandable. Surely lightning cannot strike for a third time although again, there is only one price that can constitute any value.
The other game on Sunday is, in my belief, the perfect example of too much being read into one game and an over reliance on form.
Castleford Tigers, who were as long as 1.55 to beat Catalans at home last week are now as short as 1.8 to beat Bradford away from home and given the importance that the markets place on home field advantage, that is an absurdity.
As it is, I do struggle to find massive value in this game due to the fact that I underrate Bradford in accordance to the market so far whilst I have overrated Castleford. Maybe the market is coming round to my way of thinking but maybe, Castleford could end up like Hull last year.
A fast starting side who the market initially views with contempt before jumping in and staying in bed with the side even as they produce woeful performances which belie their early season form.
I believe Castleford are too good to fall into such a situation but it is worth keeping an eye out for.
Back to the game, and I agree that this is one that looks too close to call and one that I can’t see any massive value in. However, here’s hoping to some value being found during the games.
There won’t be very many laughably priced games left at this rate. Certainly few as daft as Harlequins’ starting price of 7/1 against St Helens last week.
Friday’s night game is another that I will miss although this one is much more like Warrington v St Helens than Huddersfield v Harlequins. In other words, I disagree with the odds. At the start of the week, Huddersfield could be backed (or in my case, laid(!)) at around 2.0. However, following the suspension of the Tomkins brothers, the Giants are edging towards 1.5.
It is a difficult game to predict because Wigan are missing Sam Tomkins, Martin Gleeson, Pat Richards, Paul Deacon, Brett Finch, Stuart Fielden, Eammon O’Carroll and Joel Tomkins. Especially important is the loss of Tomkins, Deacon and Finch who are undoubtedly three of their most important creative players.
Meanwhile, for two years Huddersfield have slowly ascended into the top class of clubs although their success has been built more on consistency than creativity although the Danny Brough and Kevin Brown partnership is developing into a very good one.
However, I believe Wigan to be the better side and therefore I would make them favourites. Now, with the Tomkins’ suspensions and the lack of halfbacks, it is understandable the market would look to back a Huddersfield side coming off an impressive win but at a price nearing 1.5?
I’d be most confident that this game won’t produce many points, but I would look to favour Wigan who boast a terrific away record and a strong consistency and who have their backs up against the wall. However, whoever wins won’t shock me but at the current prices, there looks to be value with the Lancashire side.
There are three non televised games to accompany the main event and I don’t have much to say on two of them. Catalans and Crusaders are the two sides I feel least confident on and therefore I can’t find any value in this market whilst Salford v Hull KR looks to be priced correctly, although I remain expectant that Salford could, at some point this season, develop into the Top 8 side I thought I saw pre-season and at odds over 3, they do look the better value.
The other game in action this weekend is Hull FC v Wakefield. Likely to be priced in the 1.0s, I fancy Wakefield to win this. From watching last week’s game, Wakefield, whilst extremely limited in attack, showed exceptional character and a solid defence. Meanwhile, despite running Wigan close last week, Hull remain very much the schizophrenic side. Capable of brilliance or disaster and with no middle ground.
This is the type of game Wakefield can win. Now, as with any 1.0 shot, the price is there for a reason. However, returning to the club that he coached to Challenge Cup success, I believe John Kear can motivate his side to a shock victory which could see the end of Richard Agar’s reign in Hull.
On Wednesday this week, I would have made Leeds massive favourites for their mouth-watering tie against St Helens. The latter appeared very much to be a club in meltdown, insistent on allowing sides to play against them with a man advantage. Then however, something has happened to make departing Scrum Half Kyle Eastmond suspended for “Serious Misconduct”. Several will tell you this should be for a series of effortless displays which have to be seen to be believed, but apparently it may relate to the only action he has performed this year, which was giving an alleged V to fans who had the audacity to boo his performance although other darker rumours continue to circle in the background.
With that, I believe St Helens can win. From a market’s point of view, the loss of Eastmond is a blow as he is a central player. However, Eastmond’s sheer lack of effort and the likely increase to team morale that will form as the club bonds together in adversity act as positive factors in my view.
Whilst, as with any SKY game, the biggest value is likely to develop in play, I again have a fairly strong belief in the underdog away side.
Turning to Sunday and again Harlequins look likely to be massive underdogs away to a Lancashire side although given Warrington’s form, the price is more understandable. Surely lightning cannot strike for a third time although again, there is only one price that can constitute any value.
The other game on Sunday is, in my belief, the perfect example of too much being read into one game and an over reliance on form.
Castleford Tigers, who were as long as 1.55 to beat Catalans at home last week are now as short as 1.8 to beat Bradford away from home and given the importance that the markets place on home field advantage, that is an absurdity.
As it is, I do struggle to find massive value in this game due to the fact that I underrate Bradford in accordance to the market so far whilst I have overrated Castleford. Maybe the market is coming round to my way of thinking but maybe, Castleford could end up like Hull last year.
A fast starting side who the market initially views with contempt before jumping in and staying in bed with the side even as they produce woeful performances which belie their early season form.
I believe Castleford are too good to fall into such a situation but it is worth keeping an eye out for.
Back to the game, and I agree that this is one that looks too close to call and one that I can’t see any massive value in. However, here’s hoping to some value being found during the games.
Thursday 10 March 2011
Round 5
I imagine this will be without doubt my shortest work, as this week of Rugby League action looks, on paper, to be one of the most uninspiring that we have been treated to in a while. Although it may just be that any optimism has been dulled by one of my worst weeks trading wise last week which saw a 1.04 reversal in the annual Varsity match last year stick in my mind unduly despite there being an enormous gulf in quality between the two sides. An alcohol strengthened blind judgement call which turned out to be erroneous and a malfunctioning phone which contributed to not leaving a market at the appropriate time.
The total cost was less than my earnings in the World Club Challenge, but being someone who looks to draw arbitrary distinctions on a monthly basis, it wasn’t the best start.
Friday’s three games look set to see the favourites all set off at below 1.2 and the biggest gulf looks set to be in the televised game where Warrington travel to Wakefield. It seems almost absurd that Wakefield were 1.6 home favourites just two weeks ago. However, Warrington look in danger of being hugely overrated if they do set off at the 1.0 price that current looks probable although Warrington are undeniably clear favourites.
Wakefield do have a reputation however for raising their game when it matters and I have to say I actually expect them to produce a competitive performance against a Warrington side which is without Brett Hodgson and Adrian Morley. Still, it is very hard to see Warrington trailing at the final hooter, although I know who I’d rather be backing at the current prices.
But if you merely wanted value, look no further than the sheer absurdity of the price in the St Helens Harlequins game. Now, Harlequins’ bubble may have burst last week with their defeat to Huddersfield but they have proved that they are a competent side. Meanwhile, St Helens look to be a side whose best days have passed and have a lengthy injury list including key creators Leon Pryce and Jon Wilkin and have strong doubts over prop forwards Josh Perry and Louie McCarthy Scarsbrook. Throw in an uninterested Kyle Eastmond and a rookie stand off, and the price of 1.2 looks one that would have been calculated Pre Season and not one that reflects the ability of the teams.
Harlequins have managed one shock victory this year and it is said that lightning doesn’t strike twice. Maybe not, but this price sure looks indefensible.
The other Friday night game sees Leeds host Salford. The Rhinos go into the game with no recognised prop forwards and an injury list as long as most people’s shopping lists. Salford are no mugs and are capable of a victory, their recent performances have not displayed their potential, but you would think that Leeds’ massive desire for a win and a better performance after a lukewarm start under coach Brian McDermott should see them home, but the value would appear to lie with the visitors.
Saturday’s televised game looks set to be overshadowed by an irrelevant competition called the Six Nations which you may have heard about. Castleford have had a great start to the season and do look too long at 1.4 against a Catalans side that are yet to display any of their traditional flair but one could question whether Castleford could sub-consciously ease off. However, the key for this game is to get a second opinion on Scott Dureau, the Catalans halfback who looked dire against Harlequins in the season opener. A team can only go as far as their halfbacks will take them and Dureau’s performance could indicate how the Catalans will fare until Thomas Bosc returns.
Amazingly, Sunday also sees a further three games with very strong home favourites.
Wigan host Hull and whilst Hull are coming off an impressive display last week, it is hard to see Hull gaining something from the match. Certainly, 1.25 looks as fair a home favourite price but the more this slips, the more the value edges towards a Hull side who, on their day, could compete with any side in Super League.
Huddersfield host Bradford and again, their starting price of around 1.4 looks fair although this may be due to the fact that I seemingly have Bradford rated far, far lower than anyone else which is something to factor into any equations. Certainly, Bradford are far from no hopers but I don’t see value screaming out to me at the current prices.
Lastly, Super League looks set to welcome Willie Mason as Hull KR host Crusaders. I’ve wrote previously that I haven’t been able to get a hold on Crusaders but with Michael Dobson missing for the hosts, this match looks to have the most value for away backers. You would expect that the frenzy created through Mason’s introduction should see the Robins home, but they still need to create the tries and if the price is in the 1.1s, I would be very careful as the Crusaders have shown this year that they can score points.
After a bad week, the tendency is to go conservative and there are very few high value opportunities this week. However, if you put your head away totally you miss everything, and I would be more surprised if there was not two games that go against the grain this weekend. Which two? Well, if you know, please let me know!
The total cost was less than my earnings in the World Club Challenge, but being someone who looks to draw arbitrary distinctions on a monthly basis, it wasn’t the best start.
Friday’s three games look set to see the favourites all set off at below 1.2 and the biggest gulf looks set to be in the televised game where Warrington travel to Wakefield. It seems almost absurd that Wakefield were 1.6 home favourites just two weeks ago. However, Warrington look in danger of being hugely overrated if they do set off at the 1.0 price that current looks probable although Warrington are undeniably clear favourites.
Wakefield do have a reputation however for raising their game when it matters and I have to say I actually expect them to produce a competitive performance against a Warrington side which is without Brett Hodgson and Adrian Morley. Still, it is very hard to see Warrington trailing at the final hooter, although I know who I’d rather be backing at the current prices.
But if you merely wanted value, look no further than the sheer absurdity of the price in the St Helens Harlequins game. Now, Harlequins’ bubble may have burst last week with their defeat to Huddersfield but they have proved that they are a competent side. Meanwhile, St Helens look to be a side whose best days have passed and have a lengthy injury list including key creators Leon Pryce and Jon Wilkin and have strong doubts over prop forwards Josh Perry and Louie McCarthy Scarsbrook. Throw in an uninterested Kyle Eastmond and a rookie stand off, and the price of 1.2 looks one that would have been calculated Pre Season and not one that reflects the ability of the teams.
Harlequins have managed one shock victory this year and it is said that lightning doesn’t strike twice. Maybe not, but this price sure looks indefensible.
The other Friday night game sees Leeds host Salford. The Rhinos go into the game with no recognised prop forwards and an injury list as long as most people’s shopping lists. Salford are no mugs and are capable of a victory, their recent performances have not displayed their potential, but you would think that Leeds’ massive desire for a win and a better performance after a lukewarm start under coach Brian McDermott should see them home, but the value would appear to lie with the visitors.
Saturday’s televised game looks set to be overshadowed by an irrelevant competition called the Six Nations which you may have heard about. Castleford have had a great start to the season and do look too long at 1.4 against a Catalans side that are yet to display any of their traditional flair but one could question whether Castleford could sub-consciously ease off. However, the key for this game is to get a second opinion on Scott Dureau, the Catalans halfback who looked dire against Harlequins in the season opener. A team can only go as far as their halfbacks will take them and Dureau’s performance could indicate how the Catalans will fare until Thomas Bosc returns.
Amazingly, Sunday also sees a further three games with very strong home favourites.
Wigan host Hull and whilst Hull are coming off an impressive display last week, it is hard to see Hull gaining something from the match. Certainly, 1.25 looks as fair a home favourite price but the more this slips, the more the value edges towards a Hull side who, on their day, could compete with any side in Super League.
Huddersfield host Bradford and again, their starting price of around 1.4 looks fair although this may be due to the fact that I seemingly have Bradford rated far, far lower than anyone else which is something to factor into any equations. Certainly, Bradford are far from no hopers but I don’t see value screaming out to me at the current prices.
Lastly, Super League looks set to welcome Willie Mason as Hull KR host Crusaders. I’ve wrote previously that I haven’t been able to get a hold on Crusaders but with Michael Dobson missing for the hosts, this match looks to have the most value for away backers. You would expect that the frenzy created through Mason’s introduction should see the Robins home, but they still need to create the tries and if the price is in the 1.1s, I would be very careful as the Crusaders have shown this year that they can score points.
After a bad week, the tendency is to go conservative and there are very few high value opportunities this week. However, if you put your head away totally you miss everything, and I would be more surprised if there was not two games that go against the grain this weekend. Which two? Well, if you know, please let me know!
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