Former world junior champion Nathaniel Reilly-O'Donnell booked a place in Saturday's Diamond Challenge Cup semi-final at the Henley Royal Regatta despite suffering his second car crash in 10 days this morning.

The 20-year-old strokeman cruised to victory over Adam Freeman-Pask in today's quarter-final by two lengths after overcoming the seeded Patrick O'Hea yesterday.

The Durham-born rower ploughed his bike into a bus 10 days ago and was involved in a mini-bus crash this morning but remains on course for back-to-back Henley successes.

And Reilly-O'Donnell, who had his Beijing Olympics hopes ruined by rib and shoulder injuries, believes victory will send a message to the British selectors ahead of London 2012.

"I think getting to this stage is a real achievement - it was a last-minute decision to enter without ideal preparations but in a way that has taken the pressure off," said Reilly-O'Donnell.

"My injury effectively put me out of contention for Beijing but I think I've given the British selectors something to think about and put myself back on the radar.

"I was knocking on the door but it's made me more determined to make the 2012 crew. What could be better than my first Olympics in my home country?"

And the second year University College London law student, who was victorious in the Prince Albert Challenge Cup fours at Henley last year, backed the absent Beijing-bound GB team to lead the medal charge at the Games in August.

"It is a really strong squad - not all the preparation has been ideal but that won't matter as soon as the competition begins, Britain are always the team to beat," he said.

"It is a shame that they are not here because it does make it that bit extra special but I can't blame them. If I was going to Beijing then I wouldn't be here."

Elsewhere, it was a good day for the Americans with seven crews through to the semi-finals, including the much-fancied Malvern School, who stormed past Grange School in the Fawley Event.

Henley Rowing Club came out on top in the early-morning derby with Reading Rowing Club, overcoming their neighbours by one-and-three-quarter lengths.

Defending Princess Elizabeth Challenge Cup champions Shrewsbury School continued their impressive form with victory over Latymer Upper School by just a third of a length.

And two German crews progressed to the last four of the Silver Goblets - an event made famous by the watching multiple Olympic gold medallists Sir Steve Redgrave and Sir Matthew Pinsent.

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