Saturday 16 April 2016 16:22, UK
Manchester Thunder and Hertfordshire Mavericks have been ordered to replay their abandoned Vitality Superleague match in round 11.
The league's top two clashed in Manchester on April 2 but after a leak in the roof at the Thunderdome had delayed the start of the match officials halted the action at the end of the first quarter due to safety concerns about the wet court with hosts Manchester leading 14-9.
Thunder was found to be in breach of competition rules for being unable to provide a safe playing surface and a financial penalty was imposed.
Thunder apologised to the League and to Mavericks for the condition of the playing arena and in accordance with the competition rules, dates for a replay were offered but no agreement could be reached.
As such the League Investigation Committee has ruled and they have determined that the fixture shall be replayed in its entirety - it will now make place on Monday April 25 at 6:15pm.
A statement from England Netball read: "The Committee sought input from both franchises and offered a further date, with Hertfordshire Mavericks being required to confirm its preference.
"In reaching its decision the Committee took into account a number of factors, including, but not limited to, the need to preserve the integrity of the competition, the fixture pattern for the franchises at this late stage of the season, the commercial implications and the impact on all franchises.
"This decision is final and binding. England Netball would like to extend its thanks to both franchises for their cooperation in this process."
The teams are locked together at the top of the Superleague and the game is likely to prove pivotal in deciding who finishes top of the regular season standings ahead of the semi-finals.
