Invercargill to host ANZ Premiership Elimination Final

There will be more at stake than just reaching the final two of the ANZ Premiership when Invercargill hosts the Elimination Final.

The Ascot Park Hotel Southern Steel are confirmed to take on the Silvermoon Tactix at ILT Stadium Southland, renamed Wendy Frew Stadium for the occasion, on August 8 where a place in the Grand Final is up for grabs.

It will also be an opportunity for the southern faithful to farewell at home one of their greats in Steel captain and stalwart Wendy Frew.

The former Silver Fern is hanging up her playing bib at the end of the season after a decade of dedication to the blue dress.

Frew, who is a foundation member of the Steel from 2008, was at the helm of the club when they won the inaugural ANZ Premiership title last year, going through the season unbeaten.

She said playing in front of a home crowd would play its part in their quest to win back-to-back titles.

“We have so much wonderful support in Otago and Southland and we really enjoy it. The girls really lap it up so we’re looking forward to that home match,” Frew said of the Elimination Final.

The Steel have an envious ANZ Premiership record at ILT Stadium Southland having not dropped a game there since the league’s inception last year, and a capacity crowd of 3,000 would be expected to fill the stands for the must win match.

Ticket prices start at $15 for a child and $25 for an adult with a family pass costing $64 while a premium pass for the final is $45.

Tickets for the Elimination Final go on sale to the general public from midday on Friday through TicketDirect

The winner of the Elimination Final will have a quick turnaround with the ANZ Premiership Grand Final to be played at Fly Palmy Arena in Palmerston North against Te Wānanga o Raukawa Pulse on August 12.