It was the Goannas second grand-final defeat in three years and came at the hands of the Coffs Crabs who triumphed 27-17.

The Goannas had their chances in a tightly contested final, but were unable to overcome a monster Crabs pack who flexed their superior muscle to sometimes devastating effect.

Most of the early running went the way of the Bowraville side, but the Goannas were unable to convert their wealth of possession into points and lost the early ascendancy when Coffs strolled over for a relatively soft try to open the scoring in the 15th minute.

A second try, five minutes later, blew the score out to 12-nil, but the Goannas found something extra from the restart and hit back almost immediately through a soft try to five-eighth Adam Power.

Power opened up the Crabs line with a darting run and strolled 20m to place the ball under the posts.

Nathan Grace converted and the Crabs margin was reduced to just five.

The scores would remain as such until early in the second period.

A simple turnover from the restart gave Coffs great field possession and they scored soon after, crossing out wide for the softest of five-pointers.

The two teams traded tries, Grace crossing for the Goannas to keep the margin to eight points, and a penalty converted by Scott Rouse from directly in front saw the score move to 22-17 with 10 minutes remaining.

Behind by less than a converted try, Bowraville through caution to the wind and it almost paid off when Justin Salloum zeroed in on a kick deep in the Crabs half, but the bounce eluded the winger and Coffs regained possession.

Soon after Coffs put the match beyond doubt with their fifth try of the match.

The Goannas will hold a presentation afternoon at Bowraville Ex-Services Club this Saturday from 3pm. Sponsors, supporters and players are welcome.