JAMIE BOWER held off a thrilling final round challenge from York Golf Club's Julian Taylor to win the Yorkshire Amateur Championship at Fulford Golf Club.

Meltham ace Bower holed a three foot putt at the last to card a final round 71 and record a six-under-par total of 282 as he took the prestigious trophy.

Defending champion Taylor, who narrowly missed an eagle putt at the 18th to tie, was one shot back after finishing with a tournament best 67 for a total of 283.

Bondhay's Daniel Wasteney was third on 287 while, of the York and North Yorkshire contingent, The Oaks' James Walker was next best behind Taylor in ninth on 291 with Fulford's James Cass 11th on 294.

Bower said: "Julian had a lot of birdies through the middle stretch of the round. I had a double on the first, which is not the best start and recovered it a little bit after that.

"He came at me really hard and, through the middle of the round and towards the back end of the round, had a lot of birdies.

"He drew level with me on 17 with a birdie and I also managed to birdie it to nudge one ahead. We both birdied the last and he had a real charge in the last round."

On his winning putt, he added: "It felt nearly five feet from where I was standing. I was really nervous about it. I putted well all week so I was confident but, with a putt to win the tournament, I was obviously nervous. I was just happy to see it go in.

"It (the tournament) has got a long history and it is great to finally get my name on it. A lot of good players from Yorkshire have won it. Most people of note from the county have got their name on it and it is great to be one of them."

Taylor paid tribute to his opponent - the pair played together in the final two rounds - as he put up a superb defence of his crown.

"I was five back going into the last round and I knew I had to shoot a good score. I have played with Jamie for a long time - since juniors. I gave it a good effort and all credit to Jamie.

"It's a bit disappointing (to be runner-up) but I am happy with the way I played in the afternoon in the last round."

Taylor next plays in the Moor Allerton Classic, the EuroPro tour event, and can take a great deal of confidence from his final round as he goes head-to-head with the professionals.

He added: "Hopefully I can take this form and play as well as I did in the last round. I feel I can definitely make the cut there and, if I play well, I think I can win."

See thepress.co.uk tomorrow for full report and reaction from the top York and North Yorkshire competitors.