MINERAL HEIGHTS, Clarendon — Defending champions Windalco eased in to the semi-finals of the Clarendon Netball Association/Jamalco Open League after thrashing Optimist 49-19 in the quarters at Mineral Heights Courts on Sunday.

The Winston Nevers-coached unit will now face newcomers Mico University College, who scored a 43-23 win over Slipe PYC, in next Sunday’s semi-final.

Jamalco, who will play Holmwood B in the other semi-final, overcame a first-half scare from Holmwood A to carve out a 42-29 victory in the day’s opening game.

The all-island schoolgirl champions matched their more seasoned opponents point for point as they went into the break with the scores locked at 20-20.

But after the resumption, the reigning JNA/Berger Paints Super League champs — also conditioned by Nevers — showed their class by pulling away for a 23-point triumph.

Their semi-final opponents, Holmwood B, toppled Denbigh A, 37-33, in what was an exciting schoolgirl affair.