ANZ Championship match raises over $20,000 for Canterbury Netball

The people of Auckland turned out in force in support of netball last night, with a crowd of 5,000 flocking to Vector Arena to watch the ANZ Championship Round 9 clash between the Mercury Energy Tactix and LG Mystics.

While the crowd were treated to free entry courtesy of Vector Arena, they dug deep in support of the re-development of netball in Christchurch, donating a total of $20, 309.80 towards the Tactix and Canterbury Netball.

There was a terrific atmosphere at the venue, with a large contingent of Canterbury fans proudly wearing their red and black. Both teams were given a heroes welcome when they took the court.

The match opened fairly evenly, with the Mystics leading by just three goals at the first quarter break. However, star shooter Cathrine Latu took the court in the second quarter, potting a perfect nine from nine, and extending her side’s lead to seven goals.

In spite of a spirited final quarter comeback, the Mystics held on to win 58 to 45, securing two Championship points and elevating themselves to third position on the ladder.

While the match didn’t deliver the fairytale result the Tactix would have liked, the night was as much about community support as the competition.

ANZ Championship General Manager Anthony Everard said this morning, “We are absolutely delighted with last night’s result. 5,000 is a record crowd for an ANZ Championship match on the north island, and it just meant so much to the Tactix to be received with such warmth and generosity.

“On behalf of the league, I would like to thank the people of Auckland for their support. And I would especially like to acknowledge and thank Vector Arena, Netball New Zealand and LG Mystics, as this really was a team effort and wouldn’t have happened without their hard work and enthusiasm”.

The two teams were originally scheduled to meet in Round 3, however the match was postponed following the 22 February Christchurch earthquake. With Vector Arena agreeing to waive the venue hire fee, and with the support of the LG Mystics and Netball New Zealand, league organisers TTNL were able to run the event as a fundraiser.

Round 9 of the ANZ Championship continues this weekend. Please visit anz-championship.com for further information.