OXFORDSHIRE rowers helped two British boats reach Olympic finals at Eton Dorney today.

Richard and Peter Chambers, who are past and present Oxford Brookes University students, enjoyed victory in their lightweight men's four semi-final.

Earlier, Great Britain women's eight, coxed by Oxford Academy teacher Caroline O'Connor, finished fourth in their repechage to set up a medal chance of their own.

The crew, who include Wallingford's Katie Greves, Wallingford RC's Lindsey Maguire, plus Leander's Louisa Reeve, Victoria Thornley and Annabel Vernon, race their final on Thursday, as do the Chambers brothers.

Oxford Mail: Caroline O’Connor was foiled in two finals

  • Caroline O'Connor

It was not easy for the women's eight, but they achieved the top-four finished required to make the final, seeing off Germany for the last qualifying spot in 6mins 28.58secs.

The crew said afterwards that there was room for improvement in the final.

Britain's lightweight men's four won their heat on Saturday and impressed again in their semi-final.

After battling with Switzerland in the first half, Britain came on strong to win by more than a second in 5.59.68.

Follow our live rowing blog from Day 6 of the Olympics.