Middleton’s international debut brings crew success

10:32am Thursday 19th July 2007

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HEREFORDSHIRE oarsman Daniel Middleton has taken part in his first international fixture after earning selection for the Great Britain under-16 team to take on France.

The four-time British gold medallist, who has won more than 100 open regatta events, was picked for the squad following national trials at Nottingham.

The Dilwyn competitor, formerly a Tideway Sculler but now with the West Midlands Performance Squad at Evesham, sculled with crew-mates Olie Staite, Will Tew and Rory Sullivan in their coxless four to beat off the challengers Sir William Borlase, Windsor Boys' School and Maidenhead RC by three lengths to earn the nomination.

The four took part in the third heat of the international and led from the start.

They held a half-length lead to the 1,000m mark and had to battle to hold off a sustained challenge from the visitors.

Staite then called for a final sprint 250m from the finish and his team-mates responded well to drive on to a one-and-a-half length victory.

Their win was all-important as it gave the GB boys' team victory by one race in a close-fought challenge but the girls' team lost by two races to give the French a narrow team victory.

Middleton's crew will be back in Nottingham tomorrow (Friday) to defend their titles at the British National Championships.