The minor premiers were unable to overcome an in-form Coffs Harbour Crabs outfit in the major semi-final at Port Macquarie’s Stuart Park, suffering a 17-nil loss.

It was the first time the Goannas have failed to cross the try line this year.

From the kick-off the Crabs were dominant in attack.

Only outstanding Goannas defence was able to keep the Coffs team from scoring.

As it was, the visitors opened their count in the 20th minute when they exploited an overlap to cross out wide.

The conversion attempt was waved away and the match resumed with the Crabs looking to extend their lead and the Goannas struggling to hold them out.

A rev-up at half-time by senior Goannas players failed to spark the necessary response in attack.

Bowraville had two penalty chances waved away and Coffs took full advantage of the reprieve to tip the scales firmly in their favour.

With 12 minutes to go the Crabs crossed for their second try of the afternoon, duly converted, sealing the Goannas fate. A late five-pointer to Coffs saw the score blow out to 17-nil.

Goannas face Kempsey Cannonballs in a must win game at Port Macquarie this Saturday.