The Whites had the chance to steal victory after a penalty was awarded to them after the full-time hooter but John Kevin's 47m shot at goal failed to find the target and Wests went away 26-24 victors.

In the end, a lopsided penalty count cost Queanbeyan, which scored four tries to three and threatened to go over again in the final stages of the match after fighting back from being 26-17 down with less than 10 minutes on the clock.

Whites coach Kim Thurbon said despite a good performance from his players, some ill discipline had brought Queanbeyan undone and the side had been unable to take advantage of some scoring opportunities.

"When you get four tries to three you should win the game, simple as that, but the penalties killed us," he said.

"I think we were the better side out there today, but the bounce of the ball didn't go our way and few little things like that. I'm pleased with how the players went today.

"But it all comes down to the fact that you can't win semi-finals without a consistent goalkicker, Wests have a couple of consistent goalkickers and Mark Henjak is good but he missed a couple on the day and that can make a difference."

It was the second time in as many years that Queanbeyan missed a shot at victory to go through to the preliminary final.

In 2005, the Whites had a chance to beat Gungahlin but a missed penalty shot sent the game into extra-time and they lost 33-25.

Yesterday, Henjak struggled with his kicking and declined to take the final shot at goal, putting the pressure on teammate Kevin, who had not place-kicked all season.

The kick ended a thrilling match in which both sides defended well.

But Wests, lead by fullback Ben Tyler, dominated field position for most of the second half and capitalised on some handling errors from Queanbeyan, which was well represented by scrumhalf Jimmy Maher and fullback Josh Hastings.

AT A GLANCEWESTS 26 (Dan Guinness, Harry Guinness, Ryan Carmichael tries; Harry Guinness pen; Ben Tyler 2 pens, conv) bt QUEANBEYAN 24 (John Rowley, Jimmy Maher, John Kevin, Henry Seavula tries; Richard Windsor conv, Mark Henjak conv)

THIS WEEK

Saturday: Preliminary final - Gungahlin v Wests at Viking Park, 3pm