Southampton Solent University’s cricketing students are through to the final of the British Universities Cup final.

There they will face Loughborough at Kibworth, Leicestershire, on Thursday June 22.

Having finished a creditable and best yet third in the eight-team national championships, they beat 2016 Lord’s champions Oxford MCCU at The Parks by 53 runs to reach the final.

Lynchpin Rob Walters (77) and Richard Lock (39) top scored as Solent posted 208 – a total they successfully defended courtesy of some outstanding fielding, culminating in six top class catches.

Opening bowler Joe Butcher returned from injury to talk 3-27, including the scalp of powerhouse Lymington opener Malcolm Lake (16), who earlier took 4-37.

Oxford were the fourth MCCU side Solent have beaten this season after Cambridge, Cardiff and Durham, all of whom receive an annual £93,000 hand-out from the MCC. Solent don’t receive anything.