I had long been writing betting previews but this was something different as the Tuesday morning content deadline meant it was too soon for a look at the weekend’s sport and the blog became a reflection on how I was faring in my never-ending battle against the bookmakers.

There were times when the article wrote itself and the most enjoyable ones to tap out were those when I had either enjoyed a big win or when the experience had for whatever reason turned into a humorous one.

I recall standing man alone in a crowded Old Parks pub shouting Chris Latham over for a Reds try against the Lions, the reason a 25/1 bet on the draw which landed as the conversion flew through the sticks.

My daughter accidently phoning my bookmaker to lodge a complaint about a marshmallow Easter egg competition is one that still makes me smile; and, having kept most of the copy I have submitted, I look forward to perhaps even putting a book together in years to come.

Of course the journey was something of a roller-coaster ride and there were times when having taken an absolute beating on the weekend I had to wrestle my demons as I stared at a blank computer screen, the 400-word requirement now taking on novel-like proportions.

That in a way has been the beauty of this weekly column in that it has forced me to take a look at my results and by confronting the losses and bad bets through sharing them it has helped me to learn from my mistakes and to take preventative action going forward.

Thanks to everyone associated with this publication from the time I got involved until this  last article.

I have enjoyed the interaction that has come with it and will truly miss what has become a part of my life.

I wish you all of the best going forward and if you decide to try sports betting the greatest lesson I can share is to do it to add to your enjoyment of sport rather than to only make it about the money.  

Until our paths cross again, thanks for the memories!

Brent Graham is a sports betting blogger at www.goodforthegame.co.za and to get on his free weekly e-mail list just send a message to brent@goodforthegame.co.za titled “Best Bets”.