Pulse to play Grand Final at home venue in Porirua

Te Wānanga o Raukawa Pulse will host the ANZ Premiership netball Grand Final at Te Rauparaha Arena in Porirua on June 3.

Earning the hosting rights after clinching the minor premiership last night, the Grand Final has been rescheduled from June 2 to June 3 due to the unavailability of venues in the Central Zone.

``We’re really delighted that Netball New Zealand (NNZ) and SKY Sport have allowed Netball Central and the Pulse to have a home Grand Final,’’ Netball Central Zone CEO Fran Scholey said.

``It’s fitting given the performance of the team and it’s our way to be able to reward our loyal supporters and sponsors and we look forward to seeing a sell-out yellow crowd in Porirua.’’

The Pulse secured the minor premiership with a game to spare after dropping just the one match heading into the final round of the regular season.

``It’s an added bonus for the Pulse players to be able play in front of their family and friends. They are always proud to play in front of a home crowd and feel that loyal support when they play at home venues,’’ Scholey said.

Netball New Zealand (NNZ) have worked alongside the Pulse to allow them the opportunity to play in front of a home crowd for the Grand Final.

``The Pulse have known for some time that venues within their Zone would be a problem on the originally scheduled date of June 2, so we have been working closely with the Pulse and other teams to ensure the best outcome for the league,’’ NNZ Head of Events Kate Agnew said.

With the crowd up close and personal, Te Rauparaha Arena provides an intimate and vibrant setting which will add perfectly to the spectacle of a Grand Final.

The Pulse will meet the winner of the Elimination Final between the Southern Steel and the Northern Stars in the Grand Final at 4pm on the Monday of Queen’s Birthday weekend.

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