Wakatipu needed a good start and did not disappoint, edging Arrowtown at the ruck with aggressive, well-organised play and was rewarded with the first points of the match, slotting three points after 15 minutes.
The intensity of the game was such that handling errors and turnovers dominated the early stages.
The game teetered on a knife-edge until Arrowtown finally strung together a good period resulting in an attacking penalty.
Rather than kick for goal it played to its strengths, taking the lineout option.
In a move that has served Arrowtown so well in recent weeks, a drive from the lineout saw prop Matt Cruickshank flop over for the try.
An excellent sideline conversion had Arrowtown 7-3 ahead after 25 minutes.
As Arrowtown clicked into gear, more scoring opportunities beckoned, only for poor ball control and the determined Wakatipu defence to deny the reward.
Perhaps sensing his team should have walked away with points after another almost try, Arrowtown fullback Reece Winter popped off an audacious drop goal attempt from 45m out.
The ball grew wings and sailed well over the crossbar to extend the lead going into the break.
Wakatipu should have closed the gap soon after the restart but missed a relatively easy penalty attempt.
Determined to score first in the second spell, Wakatipu continued with its best period of the game, only to cough the ball up when a try looked inevitable.
Rather than take that chance to lock the game up, Wakatipu conceded a kickable penalty at the other end which Arrowtown converted to push the score out beyond the seven-point safety margin.
Even with a 13-3 lead however, the game still hung in the balance until Arrowtown reverted to method and marched upfield through a series of impressive pick and go's.
With the Arrowtown forwards making metres with every carry, Wakatipu was forced into infringements that compounded its troubles and gave Arrowtown further possession and territory.
When points went begging, Arrowtown snapped them up, stretching its lead to 16-3 with another penalty.
It took until the 70th minute for the second try.
As Wakatipu became more desperate and began to give the ball air searching for a gap in the great wall of Arrowtown defence, a turnover and kick into space from Arrowtown caught the Wakatipu last line of defence out of position.
Fijian Arrowtowner Jone Nayaloga came flying though from his wing, collecting a bounce to swan dive in under the horns.
This try was the icing on the cake for Arrowtown, which then rubbed salt into Wakatipu's wounds with another Reece Winter drop goal.
Arrowtown fans hardly noticed a Ben Blakely consolation try.
They were deliriously celebrating well before the final whistle and with good reason.
Their team had played magnificently in the second half, taking opportunities and snuffing out Wakatipu with ruthless efficiency.
While Arrowtown will get the chance to defend its title against Maniototo in Ranfurly next week, Wakatipu is left to reflect on another season that has ended one game short.
Despite this, first-time coach Kelvin Middleton has made a huge difference to the structure of the forward pack, with their work at the breakdown particularly impressive.
However, the number of different players who have worn the number 10 on their back in 2010 is one example of where they can improve next year.
Continuity breeds consistency which will lead to success.
