Down to quarter-finals in Canterbury MILO zone

After eight weeks and over 60 games, the quarter-finalists have been found for the Milo Trophy Year 5 and 6 cricket competition.

Up until now, the competition has been played in a round-robin format, but from now it will be straight knockout, culminating in the final on December 13. The standard of play in this year's competition has been very high and several quality sides have already been eliminated.

In the first quarter-final Tai Tapu will play Bromley. Tai Tapu went through their sub-zone unbeaten and played Springston in the zone elimination match. For the first time, in the three-year history of the competition, Tai Tapu came out on top. Bromley went through their zone unbeaten, disposing of a previous finalist Windsor in the process. This game will be played on Friday at Tai Tapu School on their artificial wicket.

The second quarter-final will see Elmwood play Cotswold. Elmwood are the defending Milo Trophy champions. They went through their sub-zone unbeaten and overcame a strong Paparoa Street side in their zone elimination match. Cotswold is a side that has improved markedly on previous seasons. They too, are unbeaten, having completed victories over Belfast A and B and Northcote. This game will be played on Friday at Elmwood Park.

The third quarter-final is between Oaklands and Avonhead. Oaklands were last season's beaten finalists and have carried on their good form, winning three from three in their sub zone. They then accounted for Thorrington A in a very close zone elimination game. Avonhead have come straight through with three victories against Fendalton Green and Blue as well as Merrin. The game will be played at Oaklands on Friday.

In the last quarter-final, Sheffield await the winner of the zone elimination game between Amberley and Fernside. Sheffield has come through after victory against Glentunnel. Amberley came through as winners of the North Canterbury zone after a win over the strong Woodend side and will play Fernside, who won the Rangiora zone. They will play next Tuesday to decide who will play Sheffield.

While the skill level of players has been a feature, the attitude of these players on the park must also be commended. There have been a number of very lop-sided games, but teams have all continued to put in their best effort and encourage teammates.

The prospect of several exciting games to be played in the build-up to the final makes the mouth water with anticipation.