VENUS started the match cautiously but the pace picked up during the last five minutes of the period, although accurate shooting from Paige Langdon wasn’t enough as Venus trailed 11-9.

Venus picked up the pace, pressurising Walton’s passes to gain tips and interceptions but Walton still held on leading 19-16 after the second quarter. Venus fought for every ball in the third quarter, as they were determined to win against the side they will be playing in next week’s cup final.

Trailing 24-27, Venus came out fighting in the last quarter. A final push saw Venus pull back. Some superbly-timed interceptions from player-of-the-match Emily Rowland, and Michelle Stone, finally turned the tide and Venus managed to win by just one goal.