Reigning champions St Elizabeth Technical (STETHS) will meet Vere Technical while Rusea's High will challenge Port Antonio High in the semi-finals of the ISSA Grace Headley Cup.

The Clive Ledgister-coached STETHS, which are seeking the double after defeating Manchester in the final of the knockout earlier in the season, defeated Manchester again in a quarter-final play-off game on Wednesday, while first-timers Rusea's and Port Antonio qualified after topping their respective quarter-final groups.

In Wednesday's fixture, STETHS defeated Manchester by six wickets at the Alpart Sports Club.

Manchester were first bowled out for 33 on a wicket that showed signs of persistent rain over the past couple of days. STETHS in reply raced to their target for the loss of four wickets.

STETHS were led to victory in 11.5 overs by national Under-19 opener Nick Blackwood, who made 11.

Fast-bowler Richard Simpson was STETHS' leading wicket-taker with five for 5 off seven overs, while off-spinner McKoy Ewart grabbed two wickets as Manchester, which were one of the favourites for the title, dismissed their opponents in 19.2 overs.

Leighton Leslie, whose 16 when Manchester batted prevented outright embarrassment, took three wickets for the losers.

Shocking defeat

Manchester coach Mackie Barnes was at a loss to explain his team's shocking defeat, and hinted that he could resign in wake of the developments.

"I really can't explain what happened. It is not preparation; it must be something in the camp that I don't know about," said Barnes, who took over as coach of Manchester last year, and within months guided them to their first ever Headley Cup final. Barnes also guided Manchester to their first ever knockout final last month.

"It's difficult to motivate this team again after this embarrassing defeat. Probably it's time for me to move on," he told The Gleaner.