by Paul Cook - It wasn't meant to be like this. A Manly side that had dominated the Shute Shield competition from start to finish and wrapped up their first Minor Premiership in 17 years a month before the finals, was supposed to be preparing for a Grand Final next weekend. But instead they will be licking their wounds after falling short in the semi-final for the fourth year in a row, 32-20 to an Eastwood side who can now look forward to their third title decider in four years. Having been the front runner all season, the Marlins had the fillip of home advantage in front of a packed grandstand at Manly Oval but with an expectant crowd awaiting to cheer their local heroes onto the last dance, it's not too unkind to say they simply didn't turn up when it mattered. Dropped ball and mistakes cruel