SWINDON-BORN Steve Rowbotham and the men's quadruple scull finished second in their heat at Eton Dorney to qualify for the semi-finals.

Swindon-born Rowbotham and Tom Solesbury, Charles Cousins and Matt Wells were well-behind the dominant Germans, but still progressed as one of the top three in the four-strong field.

GB will be delighted to have avoided the repechages and instead made it straight to the semis, which are from 10.40am on Wednesday.

Germany will be much-fancied for gold having won the heat in 5:39.69.

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