For much of the match, Manchester dominated, Isobel Howe and Annie Clapperton both scoring twice as their team led 4-1 after two periods and 7-3 after three. Only then did Liverpool give their great rivals a scare as Beth Bolton (3), Katie Hesketh and Kathryn Fowler netted in the final quarter.
And so it's on to the serious business of the Super 5s, where the teams will meet twice more. Joining them will be Otter, Coventry and Sheffield, who qualified despite losing 13-3 in their final match against Coventry. Claire Walmsley and Fran Clayton both scored four for the winners.
Caledonia, Hucknall and Leeds drop to Championship 1, which also involves Liverpool Liver Birds, Penguin Emperors, Tyldesley, Otter Lutra and English Roses. Undefeated Division 2 leaders Liverpool walloped Manchester Comets 32-5 in their final game, including a ten-goal haul for Charlotte Hopwood.
Photo (Trevor Hyde): On target again for Manchester . . . Annie Clapperton, top scorer for Manchester in last season's women's Super 5s.