Lake’s ton makes the difference for Oxford

OXFORD opener Malcolm Lake was the star against fierce rivals Cambridge as his superb century secured second place in BUCS Premier A, and a semifinal against Cardiff.

Zimbabwean Lake clubbed 135 from 107 balls to help Oxford to an 81-run win on Duckworth-Lewis and was ably assisted by Reece Hussain, who struck 84 of his own in a 200-run partnership which helped Oxford to 316-7.

Cambridge’s Harrison Palmer hit 77 from 86 balls in a rainaffected 36 overs, while Lake also pitched in with a wicket as they booked a home semi-final at Radley College.

Their next opponents, Cardiff, wrapped up third place with a 42-run win against Durham MCCU, Tim Rouse hitting 77 from 93 balls after being put into bat to take the hosts to 291-6 after their 50 overs.

Jack Clark fought valiantly in a captain’s innings for Durham, digging in for 79 from 116 balls, but watched those around him fall as Alex Thomson took 4-52 to reduce the visitors to 249 all out.

Leeds/Bradford sealed a firstplace finish with a tense six-run win over red-hot Loughborough at Haslegrave to bag a semi-final against the same opponents next week.

Captain Steve Bullen was in superb touch for the hosts, the opening batsman making a measured 88 from 148 balls, while Christian Davis hit a telling 72 and Logan Weston struck a quick-fire 28 that proved crucial for the league-leaders.

Chris Harwood and Moin Ashraf then combined superbly with the ball to take two and three wickets respectively and help topple Loughborough for 238.