THE semi-finals of the First Division knockout produced no surprises as both Collins Stewart and La Fraternelle won to set up an intriguing final. La Fraternelle, the holders, managed to win 43-32 against the Island Juniors in a game littered with mistakes and poor shooting, illustrated by one of the lowest first division aggregate totals.

The writing was on the wall as early as the first quarter when it ended 9-6. It hardly improved.

The Juniors were quickly back in defence to prevent the fast break and the cling-film that covered both rings did its job well.

An upset looked possible midway through the second quarter when Richard Davey put the Juniors up by four points, but once La Fraternelle had overhauled that lead they slowly stretched out an advantage of their own of seven points.

The first appearance of the season for Luke Archenoul was less than auspicious, his usual prolific jump-shot being absent, luckily for La Fraternelle.

Had the talented youngster been on top form they may have been sunk by half-time, but, as it was, only Davey reached a double figure score.

The introduction of Kerry Smyth sparked some measure of success for the eventual winners and his 14 points was the high spot of La Fraternelle’s game.

They will have to play substantially better in the final if they are to hold onto their trophy.

The Juniors now play La Fraternelle All Stars in the plate competition.

For three-quarters of the match between Collins Stewart and Archenoul it was the former who were in control, but a more determined effort from Archenoul in the last quarter revived some of their confidence.

It was too late to affect the result but they restored some pride in their performance as Collins Stewart progressed with a 79 to 56 win.

For Collins Stewart Martin Yabsley, Andy Maiden and Nick Jennings combined to thwart Archenoul under the basket.

In Ashley Ward for Archenoul and Jim Rowe for Collins Stewart both side’s included a player making their season’s debut, but it was James Tracey and Yabsley who stole the show with 22 and 24 respectively.

Argus Bruvelis scored 13 for Archenoul but by his own standards was disappointing and other than Tracey nine of his teammates stepped forward to take responsibility for scoring.

Collins Stewart’s tally was more of a team effort.

Maiden scored 12 and the speedy Lee Ogier 13 as they outplayed their opponents.

Archenoul now come up against Goldridge Estate Agents in the plate event.

In the Lower Divisions Plate Phoenix Monkeys received a walkover when La Fraternelle 2 failed to muster five players.

They now meet Cable & Wireless in the final.