DORSET'S Sophie Keech birdied the 18th to triumph in the final of the English Women’s Open Amateur Match Play Championship.

Her four on the par-five last at Trentham, Staffordshire ended the challenge of the host club’s Emily Coleman.

Keech, who won the English girls’ championship in 2013, said: “It’s a special feeling."

The 19-year-old Parkstone player had reached the turn two up but lost the 10th to a par and the 11th to a birdie.

The next six holes were halved with Keech sinking good putts on 13 and 16 to keep the scoreline level.

Her putter was again reliable on the 17th where she two-putted from around 45 feet for another half.

She hit the 18th in two, using a six-iron for her 220-yard approach to the green, but left more work for her putter.

Keech said: "I was probably 35 feet away and it was horrible! I had to aim about 10 feet right of the hole and bring it round.

"I left it about four feet short but my holing out has been good this week and I felt confident.”

Keech, who shared the Astor Salver with Dulcie Sverdloff earlier this season, added: “It’s nice to have something for myself.”

Coleman admitted she had been beaten by the better player but was upbeat over the competition as a whole.

She said: “We had such a good tussle and I’ve had a fantastic few days, it’s been brilliant and I’ve loved every minute of it.

“I am disappointed, but what can you do? I lost to a birdie and I did my best, I couldn’t give it any more.”

In this semi-finals, Keech defeated Sverdloff (Orsett) 2&1 while Coleman saw off Lianna Bailey (Kirby Muxloe) two up.