Barton has high hopes for Henley in 2010

DART TOTNES rower Elliot Barton is targeting Diamond Challenge Sculls qualification at next year's Henley Royal Regatta after a fine display in this summer's event at the weekend.

Barton, the West region's top single sculler, helped an Exeter four achieve the best ever result for a WEARA crew at Henley Royal Regatta.

Barton had been head-hunted by Exeter to replace an Italian U23 international who was part of the quadruple sculls crew, but who had to return home due to family matters.

Barton joined Exeter's Tom Youd, James Dixon and Dan Rowse under coach Gerry Copping to win their opening round in 7mins 6secs.

In the quarter-finals they were drawn against the GB lightweight crew in the form of a composite crew made up of Durham and Oxford Brookes scullers, and missed out by just two lengths.

Afterwards Barton said: "Next year my personal target is to qualify for the Diamond Sculls."

● Turn to page 32 for the full story from the Henley Royal Regatta.