Alresford Ladies retained the Stoneham Cup for 2004 by beating Meon Valley despite the added pressure of home advantage in a closely-contested final at Alresford on Monday.

It was a long day for the two finalists, who had earlier seen off the challenges of Royal Winchester and Hockley in the morning semi-finals - which teed off at 8.30am in overcast and chilly conditions.

Meon Valley, led off by Chris Stirling, proved too strong in the end for Hockley and Tracey Boyes' win on the 18th against Jenni Ray was crucial in sending them through to the final 5-2.

Alresford had a tense contest against local rivals Royal Winchester. Lyn Cowser's 7&6 victory was the highlight but with three of the other matches all going the distance the result was in doubt until the very end. Alresford finally came out on top by 5-1.

After a short break at lunchtime for both players and supporters it was back to the course for the final 18 holes with new pin placements for the afternoon session. The occasional drizzle had slowed the notoriously fast greens and the many spectators were treated to some very exciting matchplay golf, a fitting climax to the competition.

The lead match saw an eagerly awaited clash between Kelly Travers of Alresford and Meon Valley's Chris Stirling.

Travers played some excellent golf and eventually closed the match out comfortably by 5&4. Tracey Boyes of Meon Valley overcame Lyn Cowser 5&3 to remain unbeaten for the day but with the next two matches giving a win to either side and a 6&5 win for Lyn Travers in the final match way out on the course, the spectators began to follow Match 5 between Alresford's Jane Scott and Sarah Harper from Meon Valley.

After a great recovery shot on the 16th from Harper to keep the match alive, it was left to Scott to hole a short putt on the 17th for a 3&1 win and a victory for the home side 4-2.

Alresford's Stoneham Cup team captain Pat Palmer later paid tribute to her team for their efforts throughout the season and thanked all the finalists and spectators for making the day such a great success.

Next year's Finals Day is scheduled to be held at Hayling Island GC.