Netball: Sting keen to host final

The Southern Sting are keen to host their sixth national bank Cup netball final at Stadium Southland on June 10.

But first they have to take care of the small matter of getting past the Force in Auckland tomorrow night.

The Magic should have been awarded rights to host the final after qualifying as the top team in the round-robin competition.

However, a prior booking of their home ground and a ruling out of alternative venues meant Netball New Zealand today decided the final would be hosted by the team that qualified second.

Sting coach Robyn Broughton said although the team had been performing well in their away games recently, the announcement was a welcome one.

"We prefer to be at home," she said.

"Who would have thought three weeks ago we would be in the semifinals let alone looking at hosting a home final."

She was pleased that if the opportunity arose, fans would get another chance to see its team in action.

"They've (the fans) cared for us this year.

"We've had our ups and downs and injuries but they have stood by us."

She said the announcement was a further incentive for winning the semifinal against Force on Friday.

"It will make a difference knowing that we are playing for a home final."

- nzpa