The South West Rocks Marlins put up a brave fight but were outmuscled in the second half to suffer a 38-18 defeat against the Kendall Blues in the final round of the regular season.
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However, the Marlins place in the semi-finals was already locked up and they will face rivals the Lower Macleay Magpies in an elimination final this Saturday.
The Magpies leapfrogged the Marlins into fourth place with a 52-22 victory over the bottom placed Comboyne Tigers.
The Magpies and Marlins’ place in the finals was cemented last week.
The Marlins challenged the Blues, who have only suffered the one defeat this season, early in the contest.
The Blues were competing for the minor premiership while a spot in the top three awaited the Marlins if they could have earned the upset.
The Blues opened the scoring through centre Brad Smith but the Marlins returned serve and crossed for two quick tries through Sam Drew and Jimmy Cutmore as they held a 10-4 lead halfway through the first half.
The Blues hit back with two tries of their own before Marlins centre Peter Bula reduced the deficit to 16-14.
However, the Blues gained momentum heading into the break as they scored to extend the lead to 20-14.
The arm wrestle continued into the second half but the Blues began to stamp their authority on the match.
The Blues gained the upper hand, capitalised on their opportunities and raced away for victory.
Kendall finished the regular season on equal competition points with the Long Flat Dragons but were outgunned for the minor premiership as the Dragons hold a superior points differential.
The second place finish for the Blues means they will face off with Laurieton in a major semi-final this Saturday.
Meanwhile the Marlins and Magpies will do battle in what is set to be an enticing match up.
The Marlins snapped a four game losing streak against the Magpies when they met a fortnight ago as the Marlins ran away with a 52-12 win.
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