KIM Rostron retained her Northern Women's Championship at Seaton Carew with a superb three and two victory over Yorkshire's Georgina Simpson.

The Clitheroe golfer closed out the match with a tremendous three-wood shot from about 200 yards on the par-five 16th which finished up a foot from the hole.

"It was a nice way to finish and a great feeling to retain the title," said Rostron.

She had been in control for most of the match and, by the 12th, had established a one-hole lead.

A good up and down from just off the 12th green put her two up and two holes later came the killer blow.

The 14th is a long par-five and Rostron lay beside the green in three.

With a sand wedge, she gently coaxed the ball into the hole to move to three up and secure clear breathing space.

"The birdie at 14 was crucial because I went three up with only four to play and really felt relaxed and confident at that stage," said Rostron.

"Georgina had it all to do and I knew it was a case of just being able to keep my cool and I would win."

Not satisfied with just going through the motions over the final few holes, Rostron played the shot of the tournament at the 16th to seal victory.

Earlier, she had beaten Gillian Nutter in the semi-final, again by three and two, rallying from three holes down after the first three holes.

Her only other scare all week was in the first round when she lost concentration at four up with four to play against Deana Rushworth but had to go the last green to land her win.

She will enter next week's English Ladies Championship at Silloth Golf Club as one of the favourites and is confident of doing well.

"This is a big boost for me going into the English Ladies," said Rostron.

"I'm playing well at the moment and if I can sink the putts I think I can progress far."

In the other semi-final Natalee Evans from Pleasington lost to Georgina Simpson on the last hole.

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