Ton from Mark Barrell rolls east Londoners to victory against UCL

An entertaining century from Mark Barrell helped University of East London to a 113-run success over University College London.

UEL batted first with Barrell (153) and Ahmad Hamidon (87) putting on an opening stand of 258 inside 30 overs, which left the away team in a commanding position.

University College London then hit back through some good bowling from Michael Stacey (3-63) and Stephen Joseph (3-81) with UEL stuttering to 338-9, as only captain Ali Wood (28) and David Booth (16) reached double figures.

That left Waleed Tariq (7 not out) and Tom Reeves (6) to edge University of East London past the 350 mark.

Despite the fact the visitors had failed to use their full allocation of 50 overs, the home team always knew it would be a tough ask to chase down the target of 354 to win.

UCL began reasonably well through half-centuries from their top order but good bowling from Booth (2-53) ensured the away side remained on top.

The hosts entered the final 10 overs of their innings 233-7 which, although meaning it was a tall order, still left the slim possibly of a UCL win.

However, Tariq (2-14) put the result beyond doubt, before wicketkeeper Scott Silver sealed UEL’s victory with a run-out.

UEL will now face University of Essex in a winner-takes-all match to decide the destination of the BUCS league title in their last fixture of the season.