They had to work hard for their third success, defeating Exeter 11-9. The Devon side held a narrow lead for much of the game but the turning point came late on when Emma Jackson, celebrating her 16th birthday, scored twice to take Metro from 8-8 to 10-8. Emma Raymond replied for Exeter when Rotherham had a player excluded – and Rotherham then missed a penalty. The points were not secured until Lucy Hobman netted for Rotherham 11 seconds from the end.
There was another close finish as Liverpool Liver Birds edged out Cheltenham 10-9. It was 8-8 early in the final period; then Bethan Richards’ fourth goal and a sixth of the match from Charlotte Hopwood made sure of victory.