After the disappointment of losing in the qualifying final to Coffs Crabs the week prior, it was make or break for the Goannas against Kempsey in the final.

Bowraville played arguably its best football all season in the opening minutes of play, racing to a commanding 12-nil lead thanks to tries from Tim Wilson and Justin Salloum.

Kempsey barely saw the ball in the opening 20 minutes, but managed to reduce the deficit to seven points, before a Scott Rouse double extended the Goannas advantage to 19 points, 24-5.

Cannons lifted and a soft try meant Bowraville took a 12 point lead into the main break.

Two second-half intercept tries, and a timely penalty, gave the Cannons a sniff of victory as they jumped out to a 29-24 lead, but the Goannas surged late to post a try on the death through skipper Max Duncan.

Nathan Grace had a chance to win Bowraville the match after the final siren had sounded, but his conversion attempt was waved away.

With the scores level, 20 minutes of extra time was played with the Goannas dominant from the outset.

Wilson converted an easy penalty to give the Goannas a three-point lead and a superb individual effort from five-eighth Adam Power to score five minutes from time sealed the deal.

The Goannas take on Coffs in the season decider at Port Macquarie’s Stuart Park this Saturday. Kick off is at 1pm.

A coach will be making the trip south for the grand final.

To book a seat, contact the Bowra Hotel on 6564 7041 by closing time tonight (Thursday).

Come and cheer on our boys.