By Wellsaint
February 28 2003

Hi-ho-hi-ho it's down the A43 we go... It's semi final weekend in the Powergen Cup, and there are also some important games in the basement of the Zurich Premiership. It could be a difficult weekend for money making though as the games look difficult to call. Wellsaint's Weekend Betting Preview 1/2 March

POWERGEN CUP SEMI FINALS

Leicester Tigers v Gloucester @ Franklin's Gardens

Live on Grandstand, kick off 1.15pm Sat

The new kids on the block clash head on with the old guard of Leicester
in the surrounds of Franklin's Gardens. Both teams will have injury
problems. Leicester are coming back into form, Gloucester are showing
the first signs of fading from the heights shown earlier in the season.
That said, on a neutral ground, I think Gloucester may edge this, but
I think it could be as little as two points between them. I suspect the
bookies will have Glos as favourites to win.

My bet would be Gloucester to win through to the final, but I wouldn't
want to give any points up on this.


London Irish v Northampton Saints @ Kassam Stadium, Oxford (allegedly)

Live on Grandstand, kick off 2.00pm Sun. Unless it changes again

This has been more than adequately previewed by Rich elsewhere. From
a betting angle I believe Saints will be favourites. On paper we ought
to win, but I am worried about the injury list and also the fact that
we are playing our bogey team. I really hope what I am about to predict
does not happen - Irish to win by 4 points. The only bet I can recommend
is Irish with the points start, as if we do win, it will be close, and
I can't see us covering the handicap.


ZURICH PREMIERSHIP ACTION

In the ZP there are three games this weekend; Bath v Sarries will be
very close and is difficult to call - I would predict a narrow Bath
win by less than a score. Wasps should be able to beat Newcastle, who
will find this a tough game to get anything out of. Wasps by ten.
Finally Bristol v Quins, home advantage all important, Bris by seven.

Good luck with your bets this weekend...and...

COME ON YOU SAINTS!!