NZ-Jamaica series delayed Netball/Neti po¯ro
Tourists hit by passport problem on eve of departure
Passport dramas with the Jamaican netball team has seen the start of the Cadbury Series against the Silver Ferns delayed.
The Jamaicans were scheduled to arrive in New Zealand today – one day before the first scheduled game against the Silver Ferns in Hamilton.
Their arrival has been pushed back due to the team not receiving their passports back from Washington DC after their visas were issued.
Netball New Zealand worked quickly this afternoon to confirm tomorrow’s opening match has been rescheduled for Monday (7.30pm start) with the series set to start on Sunday in Hamilton.
NNZ is also looking at alternative options if the situation is not resolved overnight.
The three-match series now begins on Sunday with the opening test at Globox Arena in Hamilton. The second test will be played on Monday (in Hamilton) and the series concluding at Eventfinda Stadium in Auckland on Wednesday.
Fans who have tickets for what was a sellout test tomorrow can automatically use their tickets for the rescheduled match on Monday.
If customers are unable to attend the new date they will be able to obtain a full refund. All ticket purchasers will receive an email from Ticketek with further details.
Jamaican team officials were still working through their passport complications. NNZ chief commercial officer David Cooper said they were working closely with the visitors to ensure the
Commonwealth Games silver medallists arrived as soon as possible.
‘‘Obviously we’re extremely disappointed not to be able to start the . . . series as scheduled on Saturday in Hamilton, but we are working hard to accommodate the changes by moving this match to the Monday,’’ Cooper said.
‘‘I know our netball fans are looking forward to watching live international netball which was signalled with a sellout crowd for the opening match.’’
President of Netball Jamaica Tricia Robinson said they had been working hard to get their travel issues sorted.
‘‘We hope that our passport issues can be resolved as soon as possible, and the Sunshine Girls can get on court for the series against the Silver Ferns,’’ she said.