Team GB finish fifth in men's quadruple sculls with Germany taking gold with ease

August 3, 2012: Germany's Tim Grohmann, Lauritz Schoof, Phillipp Wende and Karl Schulze celebrate after winning the gold medal in the men's quadruple sculls final (GETTY IMAGES)

Germany were crowned Olympic champions in the men's quadruple sculls with a stunning victory over silver medallists Croatia, with Britain finishing fifth.

The Germans set the pace for the length of the final and then accelerated clear of the Croatians, who had been unbeaten in 2012 up until the Olympic final.

Australia's world champions finished with bronze as Britain's medal bid faltered over the second 1,000 metres after a strong start.

Stephen Rowbotham, Charles Cousins, Tom Solesbury and Matt Wells were third at the halfway stage, having had to battle through the worst of the water in blustery conditions at Eton Dorney.

Despite missing out on the podium, they could be proud of their achievement after becoming the first British men's quad to qualify for an Olympic final.

And trailing behind them in sixth were the reigning Olympic champions from Poland.

PA