Western Bureau: The battle for supremacy in the 2009 ISSA/Pepsi/Digicel daCosta Cup competition will move into its crucial quarter-final phase this afternoon with the eight teams left in the race for the coveted title squaring off in four games at three rural Jamaica venues.

In Group One, which features four of the eight teams, reigning champions St James High School will play away to former champions St Elizabeth Technical High School (STETHS) in Santa Cruz in one game, while Ben Francis KO champions Glenmuir High will battle Frome Technical in the other game at Jamalco. Both games are slated for 3 p.m. starts.

In Group Two, last year's beaten finalist Spaldings High School will lock horns with Zone D kingpins Marcus Garvey Technical in the first game of the Jamalco double-header at 1 p.m., while in the group's second game, the red-hot Garvey Maceo will battle Manchester High at Kirkvine Sports Club at 3 p.m.

intriguing contest

Based on their respective records, the matchup between champions St James High and STETHS should be an intriguing contest. Both teams topped their respective inter-zone groups with the identical record of two wins and a draw, while at the preliminary stage St James High lost once and STETHS twice.

"We are expecting a tough game but we are well prepared and up for the challenge," said St James High's coach, Pastor Hugh Solomon. "It is important that we get off to a good start because now is not the time to try and play catch up."

In their last inter-zone game, St James High registered a big 4-1 win against William Knibb High School to seal group honours, while STETHS achieve the same feat with their 1-0 win against Manchester High in their last outing.

The showdown between two-time champions Glenmuir and 2003 champions Frome Technical in the second of the two Group One games could well be a thriller. Having already won the Ben Francis KO title, Glenmuir now want the daCosta Cup to complete the rural double. However, having advanced into the quarter-finals by one of the best second-place team route, Frome should be gunning to make full use of the opportunity.

In their last inter-zone outings, the Boysie Nicholson-coached Frome clipped Manning's 1-0 to finish second behind St James High in Group One, while Glenmuir were in a rampant mood, spanking Bog Walk 5-0 to top Group Five.

exciting matchup

The clash between Spaldings High and Marcus Garvey Technical in the first of the two Group Two games should be exciting. Having masterminded the elimination of former champions Cornwall College and Rusea's High School in the inter-zone round, Marcus Garvey should be flush with confidence. However, having stumbled at the last hurdle last year, Spaldings should be hell-bent on going all the way this year.

In their last Group Two inter-zone game, Marcus Garvey battled to a determined 0-0 draw against the 11-time champions to secure their place in the last eight. Spaldings also had to dig deep for a 0-0 draw against Clarendon College to take Group Three honours.

The second of the Group Two games, the Kirkvine Sports Club showdown between the rampant Garvey Maceo and the sometimes-resolute Manchester High, should be a real treat for the fans. While Manchester High have basically been steady all season, Garvey Maceo were eliminated at the end of the preliminary but reinstated into the inter-zone round following the withdrawal of Old Harbour.

At present, the Jeffrey Hewitt-coached Garvey Maceo looks the team to beat after roaring through Group Six of the inter-zone round with a 1-1 draw against Paul Bogle and 8-0 and 4-1 wins against St Mary Technical and Dinthill to be the hottest team heading into the quarter-finals.

For Manchester High, which started Group Four of the inter-zone with a bang by beating Edwin Allen 1-0 and Lennon 5-0, they will be most anxious to regain their early momentum. Having qualified as one of two best second-place finishers, they should be anxious to make good use of their good fortune.