CLAYTON'S Tony Wilkinson earned himself a place in the national final of the Fuller's London Pride Gold Medal tournament with an emphatic victory.

Wilkinson won the Yorkshire qualifying final at Pontefract with a 44-point stableford score to finish seven clear of the field.

His success clinched him a spot in the two-day grand finale at English Golf Union headquarters at Woodhall Spa in August.

Wilkinson, who won top spot in the category three/four (12.5 to 28.4 handicaps) bracket, was consistent but also enjoyed a stroke of luck.

His second shot on the challenging par four sixth hole would have been clearly out of bounds had it not clattered into a tree and shot back into play, almost on to the fairway. He took advantage to claim par and never looked back.

Also qualifying for the final, which will be held on the prestigious Hotchkin course on August 16-17, were:

Category one/two: Andy Crawford (Bridlington) 37, John Morgan (Ryburn) 37; Category three/four: Paul Bannerman (Easingwold) 37, Martin Barlow (Woolley Park) 36.