Manchester led 2-0 after the first period but the match was all square at 3-3 by the halfway stage. After that, Manchester's Anya Clapperton took charge. Her two goals edged her team into a 5-3 lead after three periods and both she and Emmie-Rose Eastwood were on target as Manchester proved stronger in the final quarter.
Earlier, four goals from Fran Clayton and three from Rachel Thompson ensured a 15-11 victory for Coventry over Sheffield Sharks.
Hucknall, promoted to the top division for the first time, found the going tough against Leeds Sharks and crashed 22-5 - with eight-goal Candyce Schroeder in dominant form for the winners. Otter's 16-7 success against Caledonia featured three goals apiece for Danica Brazier and Isabelle Dean.