Opener Robin Lett hit a superb century for Oxford UCCE in their BUSA Championship semi-final against Cardiff UCCE at Usk - but it proved in vain as they went down by three runs in a thrilling finish.
Lett smashed 120 off 133 balls, including 16 fours, as Oxford fell agonisingly short of Cardiff's 244-9 off 50 overs.
He dominated an opening stand of 103 with Ollie Sadler for the first wicket, and was eventually fourth out when he was caught on the boundary with the score on 208.
It was almost a one-man show as Oxford's next highest scorer was Eddie Abel with 28.
Oxford reached the last over requiring 11 for victory, but eighth-wicket pair Tarique Kalam and Paul McMahon were only able to muster seven runs to close on 241-7.
Earlier, Simon Butler (91) starred for Cardiff as Tarique Kalam took 3-53.
It was Oxford's fourth semi-final defeat in eight years, leaving Cardiff to contest the decider at Radlett CC on Monday.
Scores: Cardiff UCCE 244-9 (50 ovs, S Butler 91, R Foster 38, Tarique Kalam 3-53), Oxford UCCE 241-7 (50 ovs, R Lett 120).
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