THE Keech Australia Fighting Miners have fallen agonisingly short in their bid to quality for the Victorian Rugby Union championship division grand final.

The under-manned Fighting Miners were beaten by the barest of margins – 12-11 –  in their semi-final against Monash University at Epsom-Huntly Recreation Reserve on Saturday.

After dominating the early stages of the match the Fighting Miners led 11-0 thanks to a try by winger Alex Tones and two penalty goals by half-back David Mcdonald.

However, a yellow card to Trent Clampit and replacement of five-eighth Steve Reynolds, who was suffering cramps, gave the opportunity for Monash Uni to open its account with a converted try early in the second period.

While Bendigo mounted attacks inside the Monash Uni quarter, they were met with a stout defence as the Fighting Miners either mishandled when pushing the pass or conceded a penalty to relieve the pressure.

Monash Uni hit the lead with a breakout try with 15 minutes remaining and held the advantage until the final siren.

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