Rugby match in Croke Park?

February 06, 2007
If rumours are to be believed - don't quote me on this - a rugby match is actually being played in Croke Park this Sunday? On the face of it that seems too odd to be believed, but just in case, for this weeks betting recommendations we'll focus on games that are going on outside of Dublin, just to be on the safe side. Dublin and Tyrone treated us to an enthralling spectacle last Saturday night, a game full of tension and drama, even if the umpires only had to raise flags on 21 occasions for either side. It's safe to say that tally could and should be doubled this Saturday when Ballyhale Shamrocks meet Toomevara in Portlaoise on TG4, a game that could potentially be one of the highlights of the Spring. Ballyhale at odds of 4/11 will not appeal to those who like to bet in singles, but with so many good games on this weekend, a treble is going to be our recommendation and the Kilkenny thoroughbreds should feature on every good multiple bet struck this weekend. Toomevara are a wonderfully consistent team, laced with players that have intercounty experience and led by the stylish Tommy Dunne, but they have yet to make the jump from being competitive in Munster to threatening to take home the ultimate prize, and this Ballyhale team is too good to let a team like that turn them over. Expect Henry Shefflin to be gracing Croke Park with this team on St. Patrick's day, and for your bet to clear the first hurdle with six points or so to spare. The second leg of this treble is later that night, when Cavan should make short work of Wicklow at odds of 2/7. That Wicklow have improved under Mick O'Dwyer is beyond doubt, but all their improvement has taken place in Aughrim Park, their infamous home fortress. Wicklow are not known for travelling well and they are stepping up in class considerably when they visit Cavan who were extremely unfortunate not to take all the points from Navan last week. Donal Keoghan and Paul Grimley have turned the Breffni men around and they look likely to top Division 2B on Saturday night. The final leg is the one that is the most risky, but substantially boosts the potential payout as a result. Last week we raised a few eyebrows by tipping Mayo to down Kerry and this week we're really going to push the boat out - Louth to beat Armagh in Crossmaglen at 7/4. This brings our treble up to just under 4/1 and a Wee county success in this local derby is a lot more likely than it first appears. Armagh are still without the Crossmaglen contingent, they let John Doyle score eleven points on them last week and only managed three points from play themselves. Louth are resurgent right now, and while one expects their good run to come to an end at some point, Armagh are very vulnerable at the moment and 7/4 represents good value about a game that is as close to 50/50 as you'll find. TO PLACE YOUR BETS, CLICK HERE NOW LADBROKES

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