Defending Headley-Cup champions St Elizabeth Technical (STETHS) appear to have one foot in the final after dominating the opening day's play in the two-day semi-final match-up against York Castle High at Alpart Sports Club, yesterday.

STETHS closed on 241 for 9, after gaining first-innings honours from York Castle who were bowled out for a paltry 73 in 34 overs.

The other semi-final to be contested by Vere Technical and Tacky, at G.C. Foster College, did not get under way, as expected yesterday, due to communication problems related to the preparation of the pitch and general facilitation for the teams involved.

That encounter is expected to start today at the same venue.

There were no such concerns at Alpart where STETHS won the toss and quickly had the St Ann team tottering at 17 for 5. Opener Deechmar Anderson was the only player to reach double figures, holding the innings together until he was out for an invaluable 38 with the score on 57.

Pacer Nicholson Gordon, legspinner Cassius Burton Jr, and offspinner Horane Linton snared three wickets each, with pacer Omar Samuels getting the other.

Even though STETHS lost opener Desmond Jones, bowled for a duck by Garrett Henry, with the score on 8, and the crucial wicket of captain Paul Palmer cheaply at 23 for 2, the champions batted York Castle out of the game. Opener Sheldon Samuels hit 57, Vaniel Bromfield 64, Krishna Graham 32, while Burton was unbeaten on 37.