Barton keeps his Commonwealth

'I'LL bring back gold' ... the confident words of Torquay-based Dart Totnes sculler Elliot Barton before he set out with the England team for the 2010 Commonwealth Rowing Championships in Canada.

And not only has he taken gold at the Welland International Flatwater Centre in Ontario, near the Niagara Falls, but a bronze as well with double sculls partner Ben Hicks of Isle of Ely.

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On the first day of the two-day regatta with Barton in the bow and Hicks at stroke, the pair competed in the men's double sculls, over a 500m sprint course in a final which was won by Scotland in 1min 29.07secs.

Wales (1:31.55) were second, with Barton and Hicks third for the bronze in 1:32.34.

Speaking from Canada, Barton's Dart Totnes coach Simon Gifford- Mead said: "They were a little slow off the start and were going well at the finish, but over such as short distance the start is so important."

However, this had not been their first race of the day. They had also represented England in the men's coxless pairs final over 2,000m, taking fifth place (7:53.65) behind Scotland, Australia, Canada and Wales.

Add to that a fourth place (6:52.49) in the men's coxless fours final behind Australia, Canada and Scotland, and a silver in the men's singles sculls for Hicks (7:31.90) over 2,000m.

On the second day with Barton at bow and Hicks at stroke, they went afloat for their main event, the final of the men's double sculls over 2000m.

This time out they stamped their authority on the race and ran out winners by almost four seconds to take the gold.

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Finishing in 6mins 54.43secs, they produced the best double sculls time of the Championships with Scotland second, Canada third, Wales fourth and Australia fifth.

Barton said: "I've been proud to represent my country. Last year it was in the Home Championships and this year at the Commonwealth Rowing Championships.

"These medals mean so much and make the many months of training worthwhile.

"I'm extremely grateful to my coach Simon Gifford-Mead, and to all of my supporters and sponsors -- I offer my sincere thanks."

Gifford-Mead added: "It's been a good week and a good opportunity for Elliot.

"We're very pleased Replica Swiss Army Watches with the gold in the doubles. The season has ended on a good high and it is a big achievement to win gold for your country at the Commonwealth Rowing Championships."

Barton rounded off the second day with fifth place (1:42.57) in the final of the men's single sculls over the sprint course, and another fifth with the England sculling squad combining to row the mixed exhibition eights final.

Contributions that raised Pounds 1,200 to fund Barton's flights and accommodation came from Seymour Horwell of Newton Abbot, Simon Gifford-Mead, Paul and Lyn Tilley of Tilley Inflatable Design & Engineering Ltd in Dartmouth, Rod and Brenda Maude of Casey's Diner in Paignton, West Country Health Care, Susie Colley, Pat Flavell, Clixe Corps, Torbay Council and Margaret Austie.

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