The Otago book of unsuccessful Ranfurly Shield challenges had its 22nd sorrowful chapter added in Invercargill on Saturday as the men in blue and gold, yet again, came up agonisingly short.
And, of course, there was a tinge of controversy over the 16-12 loss.
The winning try, which put Southland ahead with 12 minutes to go, had plenty of doubt about it.
Southland captain Jamie Mackintosh barged for the line and was awarded the try by referee Jonathan White, who was right on the spot and did not ask the television match official for confirmation.
Otago players said it was a double movement, and were not slow in offering that view.
White, a former University of Otago student, was having none of it, and ignored their pleas.
Otago coach Phil Mooney queried the decision later, wondering why White did not seek another opinion.
"To be honest, I was extremely disappointed in that the referee did not go upstairs for that try they scored.
"The television replays showed he was potentially short, with a second movement.
"In a game like this, with a lot at stake, to have the facility there and not use it ...
"I thought that was a bit odd," Mooney said.
New Zealand Rugby Union referees high performance manager Lyndon Bray was comfortable with the decision yesterday, saying White had ruled Mackintosh had scored legally, and had reached out to score, which was perfectly legal.
The TMO could not rule on double movements anyway.
But really, was there ever going to be any other decision?
This is Otago we are talking about. Near and painful misses abound.
Getting the lucky break just does not happen if you follow the blue and gold.
Get used to it. It has been 53 years. And the wait continues.
Tale of woe
1994: David Latta ruled offside by Colin Hawke, Canterbury wins Ranfurly Shield 22-20.
1995: Otago concedes late penalty try, again by Hawke, and loses NPC final 23-19 to Auckland.
2001: Steve Walsh awards debatable try to Canterbury in NPC final, with Otago leading 16-6, and Canterbury goes on to win 30-19.
2010: Southland skipper Jamie Mackintosh awarded a contentious try to retain Ranfurly Shield 16-12.
