Former Oxford Brookes University student Richard Chambers believes Great Britain’s men’s lightweight four can strike gold after winning their heat in impressive fashion at Eton Dorney Lake.

Chambers, who lives in Maidenhead, and his Henley-based brother Peter, who is a current Brookes student, teamed up with Chris Bartley and Rob Williams to produce a barnstorming finish to beat world champions Australia on Saturday, and reach tomorrow’s semi-finals.

There was barely anything in it at the 1,500-metre mark, but the British crew pulled clear to win by a length and set out their gold medal credentials.

“We have come here knowing we can do it,” Richard Chambers said.

“We just have to deliver it now. We did that today. We have two more races to go out and win.”

His brother, Peter, spoke of the effect which competing alongside his sibling has on him.

“I think it gives you that little bit extra,” he said. “You know each of you is going to dig deep.”

The men's pair of Henley-born Will Satch and Guildford’s George Nash were also victorious to reach Wednesday’s semi-finals.

Richard Egington, who lives in Henley, Matthew Langridge and cox Phelan Hill, both from the Leander club at Henley, Oxford University student Stan Louloudis and Oxford Brookes University's Alex Partridge were in the Great Britain boat, which came second to Germany in the men’s eight heat.

They go into the repechage today.

Henley’s Tom Solesbury together with Stephen Rowbotham and Matthew Wells, from the town’s Leander club, along with Charles Cousins finished second for Great Britain behind Germany in their men’s quadruple sculls heat.

They go into Wednesday’s semi-finals.

Fran Houghton, from Oxford, and Debbie Flood, who lives in Henley, were in the Great Britain boat, which finished last behind Ukraine, Australia and New Zealand in their women's quadruple sculls heat.

They go into the repechage today.

GREAT Britain’s men’s 4x100m freestyle relay swimming team involving Tetsworth’s Simon Burnett failed to qualify for the final with the 12th quickest time.

Burnett swam the first leg in 50.4secs, Britain’s slowest time.

HENLEY’S Sarah Thomas scored as Britain women’s hockey team won 4-0 against Japan.

TODAY'S OXON HIGHLIGHTS

ROWING

9.40am: Women’s quadruple sculls repechage (Houghton & Flood).
9.50am: Men’s eight repechage (Egington, Langridge, Hill, Louloudis, Partridge).
10.20am: Women’s double sculls heat (Watkins)
10.50am: Men’s fours heat (Triggs Hodge, Gregory, James, Reed)