The men kicked off first, keen to impress as undefeated minor premiers in the major semi-final and book a week off before returning for a grand final in two weeks time.

Things however did not begin well for the Cowra team, who were dominated for much of the first half.

Up against an also unbeaten CSU white, Cowra struggled to maintain possession and seemed caught out with the hard surface causing extra bounce that suited the fast attack of the CSU team.

Some good moments in attack showed what Cowra were capable of producing, including a header from Joel Hampson that struck the cross bar.

For the first time this year the Cowra defence looked shaky and all four defenders struggled to mark their players and maintain composure with the ball. The pressure became too much and Cowra conceded a goal towards the end of the half from a corner.

After this, arguing with the referee seemed to be more important than regaining control of the game, a frustration that would continue to waste energy and focus throughout the rest of the game.

Half-time could not come quick enough for Cowra, with coach Sean Leyland encouraging the players to be positive and creative on the field and keep the ball on the ground to try and regain control.

This seemed to work as for large parts of the second half Cowra controlled the game and in sections went back to a quick short passing game that CSU had little answer to.

The injection of Brad Napoli and Perry Weigold off the bench helped with this spark and a short time later some good movements saw Pat Buttigieg calmly put the ball into the back of the net to put Cowra back on equal pegging.

After a quiet first half, Bede Leyland started to find some room on the left and had several chances that were saved or just went wide. Cowra seemed to have a good four or five chances to put the ball away but struggled to capitalise.

A last ditch effort hit the post before the referee blew full-time on an entertaining match. Extra time began with several Cowra players feeling the effects of illness during the week.

It started strongly with Buttegieg coming close to scoring a second in the opening minute.

The first period of extra time flew by and the scores stayed the same upon entering the second period.

About half way through a mix up at the back saw a CSU player sneak past and chip one into the goal, that sent CSU into rapture and they thought it was wrapped up. This was where the game got really interesting.

In the next six minutes, Cowra piled on the attack, having a chance just go a little too high and then receiving a free kick.

From the free kick a fumble from the keeper saw Brendan Mundy head the ball away and Joel Hampson put the ball into the back of the net. The referee took a second before awarding the goal.

As Cowra celebrated and CSU began to walk back to the halfway line one of the CSU players alerted the referee to his linesman. After a short conversation with the linesman, and the captains, the referee overturned his own decision sending the Cowra players whom still believed they had equalised into a fury.

The next few minutes saw the Cowra team lack all composure and had a player sent off after receiving a second yellow card for dissent. The full time whistle went and saw Cowra receive their first loss of the season.

While a crucial action cost them a second goal, their lack of consistency and inability to make the most of their chances throughout the game cost them dearly.

They now face a red hot Young team in a sudden death final next week. Young will be coming into the game off a demolition of the other CSU team in the minor semi. A big improvement will be needed from the Cowra team if they are going to be able to go through into the grand final the following week.