A SILVER medal for Richard and Peter Chambers in the men's lightweight four was the highlight for Oxfordshire rowers at Eton Dorney today.

The brothers, past and present Oxford Brookes University students respectively, plus crewmates Chris Bartley and Rob Williams, were edged out for gold by South Africa in a thrilling race.

Britain were impeded by a strong crosswind, but reached halfway in third.

They looked to have paced their race to perfection with 250m to go before South Africa launched a stunning finish to win in 6mins 2.84secs.

Britain clocked 6.03.09, with long-time leaders Denmark third in 6.03.16 - it was that close.

There was no medal fairytale for Britain's women's eight, who finished fifth in their final.

The crew, coxed by Oxford Academy teacher Caroline O'Connor, own, included Wallingford's Katie Greves, Wallingford RC's Lindsey Maguire, plus Leander's Louisa Reeve, Victoria Thornley and Annabel Vernon.

Britain got off to a slow start and were never in contention in a race won by USA, but they did at least manage to pip Australia on the line, clocking 6.18.86.

The day's other final saw Britain's Bill Lucas and Sam Townsend finish fifth in the men's double sculls.

Earlier, Britain's men's four reached Saturday's final with a stirring victory over rivals Australia.

The crew of Oxford's Andrew Triggs Hodge, Oxford Blue Pete Reed, Henley's Tom James and Leander's Alex Gregory went into the race with a point to prove.

Having lost their last two races to the Australians at the Munich World Cup regatta, Britain found themselves drawn in the nextdoor lane at Eton Dorney.

They trailed by 1.2 seconds at the 1,500m mark, but Triggs Hodge upped the ante at stroke.

With the crowd roaring them on, Britain passed Australia to secure victory in 5.58.26, almost a second of their rivals.

Wallingford's Zac Purchase and Leander's Mark Hunter came from behind to win their lightweight men's double scull semi-final.

They will also go for gold on Saturday after holding off France in 6.36.62, although Denmark clocked 6.33.25 to win the first semi-final.