This Week's Rugby League

By The Man

Halifax v Keighley Cougars



8th April 19:30 GMT
Sky Sports 3 (19:30-21:30), Sky Sports HD3 (19:30-21:30)

It was a little bit disappointing, in terms of the bank balance, that Halifax finally managed to realise some of their potential on Easter Monday with the thrashing of Toulouse. It is far too early to say that they have turned the corner but the Keighley fixture gives them another opportunity to pile on some points.

Keighley have done creditably in their last two fixtures with a big win at Dewsbury that followed a hard fought draw at home to Sheffield. Don't be fooled too much by those results though. The Sheffield fixture was played on a quagmire of a pitch and fellow promoted side, Dewsbury, have failed thus far to get a grip with this higher division. Keighley are what they are. A team that is hardworking but very limited and ultimately I feel they will be out of their depth in this league.

A third game in seven days will be a real test for these players, many of whom will be semi-professional and won't have the benefits of the rehabilitation the Super League players enjoy. This third game in the Easter period is often the one when the energy levels sap and there could well be a blow-out. Either way I expect plenty of points in this one. The defences aren't the best from either side and I feel there will be points aplenty. Unfortunately, as I type I have no prices on any points related markets but I would be keen to go high if either the fixed odds or spread companies pitched their quotes in the early fifties.

I can't really argue with the handicap lines on offer. A 24-26 point handicap seems about right to me and I will look to the exchanges to lay either of these teams around the 1.85 mark on the 26.5pt handicap line.

So no account bet from me for this one but keep an eye on the points quotes and if you must have a wager stick some prices in on the exchanges, you will be surprised with the value you can obtain by playing bookmaker

The Man