Richard Bryan, Star Writer

Manchester High reached the rural ISSA/Allied Insurance Brokers Under-16 cricket semi-final after defeating York Castle in a play-off game in Mandeville by 44 runs.

Manchester batted first in the game hosted at home on Thursday and posted 167 in 48 overs, before limiting York Castle to 123 in 24 overs. The stars for Manchester were Christopher Powell (51) and Kashayne McDonald (44) with the bat and the quartet of Winston Johnson (4 for 28), Rushane Hamilton (3 for 17) and Akeem Wright (2 wickets) starred with the ball.

quarter-final round

Three teams - Bog Walk, York Castle and Manchester found themselves ended on the same points in the quarter-final round and ISSA ordered a play-off. Manchester drew a bye forcing York Castle to play Bog Walk. York Castle won that battle, leaving them to face Manchester in the final play-off.

It was also the second time the two were involved in a play-off series this season. In the senior Headley Cup, York Castle got the better of the two to reach the semi-finals, where they were eventually defeated by St Elizabeth Technical.

However, this time Man-chester's coach Barry Barnes says there was no complacency factor.

"In the Headley Cup it was a case of complacency but these guys badly wanted to win the Under-16."

They will now play last year's champions BB Coke in the semi-final set for next Wednesday at Manchester High.