`And the cream shall rise to the top...' Indeed the first round of the Commercial Division KO Cup on Saturday was not kind to those in Group B, with but one member of the lower division progressing to the quarter-finals.

And in that instance there was no other option, as both combatants were from Group B.

`Supposed' combatants might be a better term, as Belco failed to show up at Police Field with sufficient players for their scheduled fixture against Fire Service, arriving with just six and having to default.

The latest `no-show' by the utility company marked the third time they have been unable to field a team for a match this season and could result in their expulsion from the league. Bermuda Football Association rules state that teams defaulting three games during the season become liable to such disciplinary action.

Meanwhile, Prison Officers might have wished BAA Wanderers had lost their way to Malabar Field, after falling victim to the runaway leaders of Group A.

In typical workmanlike fashion, Wanderers exposed Officers' shortcomings in cruising to a 3-0 victory.

Carl Sharman struck twice, finding the back of the net once in each half, while Steve Irvine added another goal.

The day's closest and most dramatic affair was at White Hill Field, where Forties required penalties to get past Valley, after regulation time expired with the pair deadlocked at 1-1.

Kevin Isaac notched Valley's goal, while Daclin O'Loughlan tallied for Forties, who started the match with eight men and managed to field just one more as the match progressed.

Forties needed only four penalty kicks to seize a berth in the next round, as Valley wilted under pressure, failing on three of four attempts -- two were saved by stand-in goalkeeper Derroy Butterfield and one went wide -- while Forties connected on three of four.

The late game at the west end finished with Lobster Pot barely holding off Bermuda Pest Control, who led early.

Pot levelled matters prior to the break through Niall Moffet and it was left to Niall McArthur to snatch a second half winner.

Continuing their late season slump were Spinning Wheel, falling 3-1 at home against suddenly rejuvenated Devonshire Colts All-Stars.

All-Stars were spurred by two goal hero Darrin Lewis, with Jeff Richardson adding another. Johnny Nusum tallied for Wheel in a losing effort.

Island Rangers earned their way to the quarters, easing past MR Onions 3-2 at home behind goals from Sean Symons, Blaine Outerbridge and Troy Berkeley.

Rangers surged to an early 2-0 lead before Neil Clemens pulled one back for Onions just before the interval.

The home side restored the two goal edge soon after, and though Gary Knight again closed the margin to a single score, Rangers were able to hold on.

At Wellington Oval St. George's All-Stars completely dominated visiting Devonshire Lions, rolling to a 3-1 victory.

However, for a while it appeared the east enders' dominance might count for nought as they squandered numerous opportunities, before striker Sinclair Smith lashed two goals in the final minutes.

Jan Cieters gave St. George's the lead early, only to have Raynel Perinchief equalise moments before half-time.

And as time dwindled in the final period and the thought of penalties began to pervade it was left to Smith to settle matters.

Mariners enjoyed a goal feast against 10-men Exiles at Shelly Bay, launching into the Cable and Wireless sponsored outfit for a 6-1 drubbing.

Craig Dixon and Frank Massaflora led Mariners' charge with two goals apiece, while Carlos Lopes and Mark DeCoute scored one each. Martin Siese scored the lone goal for Exiles, who trailed 2-1 at the break, but fell apart in the second half.