DANIEL Middleton, of Dilwyn, achieved one of the biggest successes of his already illustrious career when he won the junior 16 quad sculls with his High Performance crewmates from Evesham at the National Schools Regatta.

High calibre quads converged on Holme Pierrepont, Nottingham, all seeking nomination for the coveted GB places for the French match in July.

Successful in the qualifying time trial, Middleton's quad lined up as favourites for the first semi-final. Flanked by Marlow, Warrington and Sir William Borlase, the Midlands crew tussled to half-way before drawing comfortably away to take the race.

Arch opponents Windsor Boys GS had won the other semi comfortably, and scorched off in the final to take a half-length lead by 1,000m. Middleton and team-mates Staite, Tew and Sullivan, maintained a powerful challenge, saw off Borlase, and pushed to draw level at 1200m. Thereafter, a sprint saw the Evesham crew draw ahead to take the event comfortably by two lengths.

Already winners of the Schools Head and Regional Champs, Middleton's crew are now favourites to be awarded Dilwyn and Evesham's first junior international rowing vests. Final challenge trials are held following Henley Royal Regatta, where the 16-year-olds take on older international crews in the Fawley Cup.