Tariqah Walikraam came from two holes down to capture a maiden Bermuda Amateur Match Play Championship Ladies' title in variable conditions at Mid Ocean Club over the weekend.

The 20 -year-old Bermudian defeated American Helen Stovell two and one on the penultimate hole to cap off an impressive fightback in an absorbing seesaw battle.

After a slow start Walikraam won the par four 15th and 18th holes to make the turn even with the steady Stovell. But for the second time in the match she found herself playing catch up after losing the 21st hole.

However, the Bermudian got another break when Stovell lost the 22nd hole to move back even and then grabbed the lead for good on the next hole with a clutch 12 foot birdie putt that virtually sealed the match.

"That was a good birdie," Walikraam smiled back at the clubhouse afterwards.

"Helen was playing pretty steady and so she forced me to play better.

"I didn't feel any pressure and knew I just had to continue to play steady because she was."

With the momentum on her side, Walikraam threatened to run away with the match after winning two more holes to go three-up. But Stovell fought back and shaved the deficit back to two after Walikraam two-putted for bogey on the 27th hole.

But any thoughts the American might have had of making a late charge coming in evaporated into thin air as Walikraam struck form with the putter when it mattered most and held her own the rest of the way.

"It's been a long week of golf and I am just happy to come out on top," sighed a visibly exhausted Walikraam.

Earlier, Linda Down defeated Ann Mitchell eight and seven in the Ladies' Championship consolation match while in an all- Pennsylvania Men's Championship Temple University student Eric Plisko pounded Santo Lafoca eleven and ten.

Plisko, who beat local favourite Robert Vallis in the semi-finals, won three of the opening four holes in torrential downpours and never took his foot off the gas.

"I just tried to keep the lead the whole round which I was able to do," he said. "It's always easier to play with a comfortable lead but you have to stay focused."

Earlier in the tournament Plisko squandered a sizeable lead against Bill Jenks who he eventually beat in extra holes. But the American took nothing for granted against compatriot Lafoca who was never in contention during Saturday's final.

The 22-year-old college student plans to return next year to defend his crown.

"The island is phenomenal and so beautiful while the course is world class. Every hole is fun, you just never know what kind of weather you are going to get," he added.

Though badly beaten, Lafoca took defeat in his stride.

"Eric came out of the gates nicely and took a three-up lead after four holes to leave me playing catch up. He was playing steady and I just didn't feel comfortable with my setup and my clubs and clothes being so wet," he said.

"I lost three of the first four holes right off the bat in that wind and rain. It's very hard to start a tournament in those conditions and then try and get your game back. I was soaking wet and I just could not get stabilised."

In the Men's Championship consolation match, local Camiko Smith beat American Kevin McDonnell five and four to cap off a superb week in which he also qualified for Bermuda's Island Games team.

It was the 23 year-old's best showing to date in the match play tournament.

"It's been a long and strenuous week," he reflected.

"But I worked my way through it and in the end I am pleased with my overall performance."