LOUISE MacGREGOR STILL STIRLING AND CLACKMANNAN CHAMPION

Louise MacGregor (Falkirk), the No 3 seed, retained the Stirling and Clackmannan championship at Falkirk Tryst this evening.

She beat 17-year-old Alexis Hunter, the No 9 qualifier playing over her home course, by one hole in an exciting and well-fought match.

Louise went two up after three holes but Alexis holed a good chip from off the green at the fourth to halve the hole .This steadied her but Louise went three up after eight.

However, young Alexis, who was the county's junior champion last year, fought back with two wins to be only one down after 11.

Louise went two up again by winning the 12th and lost the 15th to a birdie. They halved 16 and 17 and Louise was on the green in two at the last, a par 4, to Alexis's 3 - but Alexis sank her putt! Louise also finished a with a 4 to win the final by one hole.

Both girls played to two over par.

"It is very encouraging for Stirling and Clackmannan to have such talented young players," said Anna Hunter.