News
August 31, 2003

Oddsmakers Pick Strathclyde To Win It All

Once again, our expert committee of world pipe band insiders has determined odds on bands winning the World Pipe Band Championship on August 16 in Glasgow. We’ve taken feedback from numerous sources, and averaged them into the chart below.

Panelists, all of whom are not connected with any of the competing bands, were asked to base their rankings on 2003 performances and results, and also to take into consideration any known or perceived patterns and connections of judges for the Grade 1 final at the World’s.

  • Strathclyde Police – 2:1
  • Field Marshal Montgomery – 3:1
  • House of Edgar – Shotts & Dykehead – 3:1
  • Simon Fraser University – 3:1
  • Boghall & Bathgate – 4:1
  • ScottishPower – 6:1
  • St. Laurence O’Toole – 6:1
  • Vale of Atholl – 6:1
  • Dysart & Dundonald – 8:1
  • David Urquhart Travel – 10:1
  • 78th Fraser Highlanders – 10:1
  • Western Australia Police – 10:1
  • Alberta Caledonia – 12:1
  • Los Angeles Scots – 20:1
  • Lothian & Borders Police – 20:1
  • Peel Regional Police – 20:1
  • Ravara – 20:1
  • Prince Charles – 25:1
  • Toronto Police -25:1
  • Ballycoan – 30:1
  • Bucksburn & District – 30:1
  • City of Washington – 30:1
  • Glasgow Skye Association – 30:1
  • Grampian Police – 30:1
  • Manawatu Scottish Society – 30:1

    “I think this will be Strathclyde’s year, but it’s really wide open between them, Shotts, SFU and FMM,” said one panelist. “I just have a feeling that the Police will be returned to glory on their home turf. They’re the sentimental favourite, and they’ve been having an excellent year so far.”

    Another panellist commented that, “I like SFU’s chances. Their work ethic is second-to-none, and they’ll come in polished and ready, with game faces on.”

    “Don’t forget the recent heat wave in Scotland,” said another oddsmaker, “Our Scottish bands sometimes can’t deal with it, and if it’s hot on Saturday expect to see some of the North American, Australian and New Zealand bands get a bump up. Then again, Shotts has a great track record in warm weather. Any way you slice it, getting a chanter pitch shouldn’t be a problem.”

    Readers are advised that odds applied to bands are unscientific and are really only for fun. We do not condone gambling in any form. We wish all bands every success at the competition equally.

    p|d

    What do you think? We always want to hear from our readers, so please use our comment system to provide your thoughts!

    Do you have news? Be sure to send your information to pipes|drums. We can’t report what we don’t know about! Please remember to support the businesses that advertise and make the not-for-profit p|d possible.

  • NO COMMENTS YET

    Subscribers

    Registration

    Forgotten Password?