Against City of Bristol, an early Marlins lead was cut to just 7-6 at the start of the last quarter before goals by Isabel Bates (2) and Abby-Louise Rocky took their team home at 10-7.
It was even closer against Southampton, who trailed 5-3 but reduced Marlins' advantage to 7-6 with little more than a minute to go thanks to goals by Amy Ennion, Joanne Yetman and Anashe Chisadza. It needed a Grace Walker goal a mere 10 seconds from the final whistle to earn MSM an 8-6 win.
Bristol and Birmingham join Marlins in Division 2 at the start of next season. Both managed only a single point from the finale weekend, but earlier results ensured a finish in the top three.
Birmingham started the final period 7-4 up against Bristol, who hit back to draw 7-7 when Anna Robbins claimed her second goal with 17 seconds remaining. Birmingham also lost 4-3 to Southampton.
All smiles . . . Marlins girls (above) with their trophy and medals at Walsall, plus coaches Tony Noble and Pat Bates at the back. Second row, L-R: Isobel Bates (top scorer in Champ 2 with 36 goals), Gemma Deacon, Leah Clarke, Lauren Hand, Grace Walker, Eve Tidy, Lucy Deacon. Front: Abby-Lou Rocky, Liv Henderson, captain Amy Styles, Anna Bowles, Emily Allgar, Jessica Street.