OXFORD'S Katherine Hawes beat off a late challenge from unbeaten rival Jean Sykes to spur England to a title hat-trick in the women's British Isles International Series in Belfast.

Hawes' heroics helped England see off Scotland 110-104 in the championship decider after the auld enemies emerged from their opening clashes with two wins apiece.

Trailing 3-1 after four ends, Hawes, playing two to Newcastle's Ann Lennie, hit back with scores on five of the next seven ends, piling up ten shots to power 11-6 ahead at halfway.

Ayrshire-based Sykes surged back with a double and single to cut the deficit to 11-9.

But Hawes was soon back in business, swooping with three doubles and a single over five ends to stretch her advantage to 18-11.

Sykes unleashed a fighting finish, collecting a double and treble on the run-in, but Hawes survived the onslau- ght to win 19-16.

Hawes launched her championship campaign in spectacular style, striking gold on nine successive ends to build a stunning 23-1 lead against Antrim's Sally McGarel in the encounter with Ireland.

Staying on her deadly roll, Hawes advanced to rout McGarel 34-7 in the biggest victory of the day as England crushed Ireland 139-78.

There was a shock in store for Hawes and company on day two when they faced 20-year-old 'Torfaen Tornado' Kelly Packwood in the match against Wales.

World Under 25 singles semi-finalist Packwood, the youngest ever Wales skip, whose twin Kerry, the world Under 25 champion, operated at No 2, charged into a 5-0 lead only to see Hawes boosted by a five, battle back to lead 12-7 after eight ends.

Hawes was still in the driving seat, 16-11 clear with just five ends left, but Packwood staged a flying finish - including a seven in her 15-shot tally as she swept home 26-16.

England won on four of the six rinks, however, to trounce Wales 146-97.