The Marlins, playing at Wauchope, fell behind on the scoreboard early and struggled to get back into the match against a well-drilled Beachwood side. 

However, the sending off of a Marlins player following a head-high tackle in the second half sparked a small fightback from the Marlins, who responded with several late tries. 

Club vice president Geoff Ball nominated five-eighth Lance Robinson as one of the players who led the fightback.

“He spurred them on,” Ball said. 

Ball said while the result wasn’t what they were after, but the club was happy to make the semi finals in what was considered a “rebuilding” year. 

The Marlins were premiers in 2015, but Ball estimated that about 80 per cent of the premiership-winning side had retired following their successful season. 

“It’s not been as successful as last year, but we’re pleased that we made the semi finals and we’ll keep rebuilding next year,” he said. 

Ball urged young South West Rocks locals to don a pair of football boots and have a run with the Marlins in 2017.

“We hope that in another season or two we’ll be contesting another grandfinal.”