DORSET’S Sophie Keech birdied the 18th hole to win the final of the English Women’s Open Amateur Matchplay Championship at Trentham in Staffordshire for her second national title.

“It’s a special feeling,” said the former Lyme Regis resident , who won the English girls’ championship in 2013.

Her four on the par-five last ended the challenge of the host club’s Emily Coleman, who was bidding for a win on home ground.

The final was very close, particularly over the back nine. Keech reached the turn two up but lost the 10th to a par after encountering trouble.

She then lost the 11th to a birdie before the players halved the next six holes, with Keech sinking good putts on the 13th and 16th to keep the scoreline all square.

Her putter was again reliable on the 17th when she two-putted safely from 45ft 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 35ft away. I had to aim about 10ft right of the hole and bring it round. I left it about four feet short with a bit of swing, but my holing out has been good this week and I felt confident.”

Keech, 19, spent last week with Dorset at their County Match Week which, she says, proved good practice for this event.

Victory in Staffordshire was her first outright win of the season after sharing the Astor Salver with Dulcie Sverdloff of Essex.

The Dorset star now looks forward to the English women’s amateur championship.

In the semi-finals at Trentham, Coleman beat Lianna Bailey and Keech overcame Sverdloff.

Coleman was upbeat after the final, saying: “We had such a good fight, such a good tussle, and I’ve had a fantastic few days.

“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.”