In a physically punishing game on Saturday night, Warrigals proved speed out wide was the key to defeating Euros, handing them their first loss of the season and progressing into the grand final.

Warrigals opened the scoring in the eighth minute, when fullback Gian Giarra slotted a penalty attempt from directly in front of the uprights.

Bruising defence from both teams in the opening fifteen minutes of play left spectators in no doubt they were watching finals football.

Warrigals were unable to capitalise on a bursting run from their fullback 30 metres from the Euros line, but a Brendan Baillie penalty three minutes later took the score to 6-0.

Euros got on the scoreboard in the 18th minute, thanks to a solid 20 metre run from No 8 James George.

Gary Karkadoo's conversion was on the money, and Euros took a 7-6 lead halfway through the first half.

The shift in the lead revitalised Euros, with their forward pack taking it to Warrigals and totally dominating the ruck.

In a display that looked more like a soccer demonstration, winger Travis Willetts and halfback Sam Anderson kicked the ball 60 metres upfield before Anderson regathered and crossed the Euros line.

Baillie nailed the conversion attempt, moving Warrigals to a 13-7 lead.

James George secured another five points for Euros in the 31st minute, but the kick was missed, giving Warrigals a one-point margin.

Warrigals were a totally different team to the one beaten last weekend in Cloncurry.

Powerful defence on their own line withstood several assaults from Euros.

A decision to let a high Warrigals kick bounce proved costly for Euros three minutes before half-time.

The ball bounced favourably into the hands of Zac Raymond, and he raced 70 metres to score directly under the posts.

With Baillie's kick spot on, Warrigals took a 20-12 lead into half-time.

Euros came out firing after the break and their forwards continued to outmuscle their lighter opponents, but Warrigals began moving the ball wide and taking size out of the equation.

Chaun Lee crossed the chalk in the 46th minute, but Euros were unable to convert the try.

The score crept out to 25-17 when outside centre Allan Hardie skillfully recovered a kick and outmanoeuvred the Euros defensive line.

Tempers flared and the brutal physicality of the game came to a head in the 80th minute as a minor scuffle was doused by the referee.

In an unusual sight, Warrigals five-eighth Baillie was sent off for 10 minutes after the full-time siren had sounded.

After the game, Warrigals captain Mick Scotney said that while they were happy to get up over the dominant team of the competition, the job wasn't over.

"We're definitely happy with a win, but the job's only half done," he said.

"We have to play another game in two weeks."

Scotney said getting the ball away from the ruck and Euros dominant forwards was the key to his team's win.

"They [Euros] have a big, heavy, slow forward pack and they used it," he said.

"But we also exploited it by sending it wide and making them run."

While Warrigals have a week off to rest up and prepare psychologically for the grand final, Euros have to back up and win next Saturday night against Keas for any chance of getting near the silverware.

WARRIGALS 25 (Sam Anderson, Zac Raymond, Allan Hardie tries, Brendan Baillie 2 con 1 pen, Gian Giarra pen) bt EUROS 17 (James George 2, Chaun Lee tries, Gary Karkadoo 1 con)