Ali Morteza was Oxford UCCE’s hero as they reached the British Universities one-day final at the fifth time of asking.

The Cumnor all-rounder took an impressive 4-11 and then scored an unbeaten 20 to seal Oxford’s three-wicket semi-final victory over Leeds/Bradford UCCE.

Having lost in their last four semis, it was fifth time lucky for the students, who will now face Cardiff UCCE in the final at Leek on June 23.

Batting first on a difficult wicket, Leeds were all out for 152 in 49.3 overs.

Oxford captain Robin Lett backed up Ali with 3-43.

The visitors reached 153-7 in 42.4 overs, with Lett making 30.

But it was Ed Young (50no) and Ali (20no off 19 balls), who steered Oxford home.

Oxford reached the last four after defeating Loughborough and Exeter in the previous rounds.

They are next in action in The Parks against Loughborough in a UCCE Championship match on June 14-15.

Oxford’s three-day first class match against Nottinghamshire has been pushed back one day, so will start on Thursday, June 18.