SANTA CRUZ, St Elizabeth — After an enthralling last day of the drawn Inter-secondary Schools Sports Association (ISSA)/Grace Headley Cup semi-final which seemed to have everything, Manchester High assured themselves of a place in the final at the expense of 2023 champions St Elizabeth Technical High School (STETHS) by virtue of their first-innings advantage.

Manchester were just 18 runs from completing victory with five wickets in hand when rain brought an end in late afternoon at STETHS Sports Complex.

Scores on a pitch which stood up well over three days: STETHS 188 and 221; Manchester High 250 and 142 for five.

In the other rural area ISSA/Grace Headley Cup semi-final clash, May Day High School set up a final clash against parish rivals Manchester High after recording a 393-run victory over Clarendon College at May Day High in Mandeville.

Scores: May Day 287 & 352; Clarendon 156 & 90.

Pacer Nashane Meade was the star for May Day, grabbing 6-23 in the second innings to finish with nine wickets in the contest. All-rounder Reon Edwards top-scored with 97 in their second innings score of 352.

In Santa Cruz, STETHS resumed Friday at 81 for four and leading by just 19 runs. They were guided by the stout-hearted, right-hand middle-order batsman Kevoni Graham, with a 114 ball 73 (three fours, one six), Captain Tyriek Bryan 60 (five fours off 92 balls) and Roshawn McKenzie (33) batted into the post-lunch session building a lead of 159.

For Manchester, seamers Jahdae Moore (3 for 22) and Rhevon Morgan (2 for 30), and Matthew Morgan (3 for 69), bowling leg breaks, did damage with the ball.

Fast bowler Deshawn James (4-14) then grabbed a sensational hat-trick to reduce Manchester High to 8 for four after three overs.

But composed half-centuries from first-innings centurion Matthew Morgan and wicketkeeper Pajay Nelson rebuilt the innings and ensured Manchester High’s ascendancy.

The drama began when the 17-year-old James, a West Indies age group standout, trapped opener Ukelle Broomfield with the third delivery of the innings.

In his second over, James bowled Kevoy Williams, Jamaica Under-19 Captain Brian Barnes, and Rhevon Morgan with successive deliveries to leave Manchester High in disarray and St Elizabeth Technical in jubilation.

But as he did in his first innings 111, the nonchalantly compact Morgan unbeaten on 61 off 110 balls — stroking a six and five fours — batted with great assurance.

Nelson, also right-handed, provided excellent support, stroking an 85-ball 58 (seven fours).

With the victory target in sight, Nelson fell to the medium pace of Graham. And the rain followed immediately after to signal the end.

Manchester High cricket head coach Barry Barnes heaped praise on both teams.

“I feel elated… playing STETHS is always a hard game. James showed his class, but so did Matthew Morgan who showed great maturity in both innings. Congrats to both teams, it was a fine game of cricket,” Barnes said.

STETHS coach Carl Wright said his players gave their all.

“My team gave it everything… I couldnt ask for more from them, [and] congratulations to Manchester High,” Wright said.