Hanwell, of Northants County, looked certain to retain her title as she led by three holes with three to play in the matchplay final.

But, in a thrilling finish, Hancock sank a huge putt to win the 16th hole, before holing another on the penultimate green to reduce the deficit to just one going the last.

With both on the par five 18th green in two, Hanwell rolled her first putt close enough to guarantee a birdie but it wasn't enough as her Silverstone opponent banged home her eagle putt.

Buoyed by her brilliant finish, Hancock reached the green on the first play-off hole in regulation and, with an understandably shaken Hanwell finding big trouble off the tee, she clinched victory without having to sink her final putt.

Hancock said: "I'm thrilled to pieces – absolutely delighted."

After qualifying as second seed for the knockout stages following rounds of 78 and 72 on Friday, Hancock reached the semis with wins over Northampton duo Lorraine Gilder (4&2) and Sarah Carter (6&5) on Monday.

A day later, Hancock, who was beaten in the last four 12 months ago, made the final as she overcame Kirsty Jennings (Northants County) on the 17th hole in her morning semi-final.

Hanwell reached the final with wins against Theresa East (Northampton), Alex Banham (Elton Furze) and Georgina Dunn (Peterborough Milton), who recorded an impressive 3&2 victory over Roseann Youngman in Round Three.

Youngman, from Wellingborough, had come into the Matchplay stages as the top seed after heading 36-hole qualifying following a course record 66 on Friday.

In the accompanying Swannell Salver competition, former Kingsthorpe captain Gill Hodgson came out on top as she beat East by one hole in another close final.

Hodgson and East reached the final with last-four victories on the 15th hole over Jean McKenzie (Northampton) and Gina Roderick (Silverstone) respectively