NEWPORT made it a hat-trick of wins in the Clogau Gold Welsh Ladies Team Championship, appropriately equalling the record of Southerndown after beating them in a close final.

Welsh champion Lauren Hillier sank the winning putt for Newport having taken her match against international Georgia Lewis to extra holes.

Newport have now contested six of the last seven finals, losing twice to Southerndown as the Vale of Glamorgan club triumphed from 2012 to 2014, with a strong core of players central to that success at the Vale of Llangollen.

The team this year saw the return of Hillier, Jordan Ryan, Emma Miller, Cerys Jenkins and Ffion Vineall, with Jessica Gabriel joining them in reserve.

Southerndown were led by Lewis, with Amy Rees, Alaitz Zubikarai, Helen Calvert and Bethan Parker.

It was also the first year of sponsorship from Welsh gold firm Clogau, while Ladies European Tour star Amy Boulden was on hand to present the prizes as the company's ambassador.

“The final was nail-biting,” admitted Newport captain Judith Wenman in her last year in the role.

“Emma won 2&1 then Jordan by one hole. Lauren was one down with two to play in the top match, but took it to the extra hole and sank the winning putt for the team at the 19th after getting up and down from a bunker.

“The final was a joy to watch, the standard of golf was outstanding. We had the youngest team by far but they work hard and get on well as a team which also helps attract good players to the club.

“We have won this three times in a row as Southerndown did before us, but this is the first time we have beaten them in the final after losing to them twice in their run.”

Newport had a comfortable journey to the final with wins over Wenvoe Castle, Pyle & Kenfig, Royal St David's and Mold.

Southerndown beat Wrexham 3-2 in the semi-final following more comfortable victories over Rhuddlan, Aberdovey and Radyr.

Rhuddlan went on to win the Clogau Golf Plate for clubs knocked out in the first round, beating Llanwern in the final.

“It was a fantastic event, very well organised, great to be involved in, and it was fantastic to have Amy there as an ambassador for us,” admitted Andrew Mortimer of Clogau Gold.

“The teams appreciated having her presenting the prizes and they were particularly delighted to be getting jewellery.”

Golf Union of Wales championships manager David Wilson added: “Congratulations to Newport on another really strong performance and claiming the title three years in a row takes some doing.

“Thanks must also go to the Vale of Llangollen who put on a superb event, the course was in great condition but also tested the players while allowing for some great play.

“Thanks to Clogau Gold who proved to be an extremely popular sponsor, not just through the shop opened on site for the championships but also the prizes and having Amy there on the Sunday. It all helped to lift this year's event.

“Finally, thanks to all the clubs who took part. With the Plate being brought in last year it means that every club gets at least two matches.”

Next year's Welsh Ladies Team Championships will be held at Langland Bay just outside Swansea.