
Mid Sussex Marlins, for example, knew that a top five place - and promotion to Championship 1 - was likely to depend on them beating Tyldesley. They managed it - by 12-11 - but only when a goal by Jessica Street put them ahead for the very first time FOUR seconds from the end.
So then it was the turn of City of Birmingham, who needed victory over City of Bristol to secure their Championship 1 place. Thanks to a Sancha Tonks hat-trick, they led 6-3 early in the final quarter. Bristol then applied real pressure, responding with goals by Emily Watkins and Anna Robbins. However, Birmingham just managed to hold on for a 6-5 win.
Earlier, English Roses blew their chances of a top five slot, drawing 6-6 with Penguin Emperors. So it will be Liverpool Liver Birds, Birmingham, Tyldesley, Bristol and Mid Sussex Marlins who progress to Championship 1, leaving the Roses, Otter Lutra and Penguin in Championship 2.
Photo (Trevor Hyde): Birmingham's hat-trick girl, Sancha Tonks.