The final takes place at Carisbrook this Saturday, between North Otago teams Excelsior and Valley. The competition has been dominated by North Otago clubs, with some racking up big scores against weakened Dunedin teams.
Pirates and Zingari-Richmond have defaulted games over the past couple of weeks to North Otago clubs.
Otago Rugby Football Union amateur rugby manager Justin Gardner said the defaults were unfortunate but just a sign of the times.
Some clubs were struggling to field teams, especially during university holidays.
But he said the competition was still good and many games had been competitive.
He said the North Otago teams tended to be bigger and stronger than the Dunedin teams.
There had also been the odd grumble from Dunedin clubs about the travel.
North Otago Rugby Football Union chief executive Colin Jackson said the union was extremely happy with the competition.
"It gives our guys exposure to other players and other clubs. The clubs have really embraced it," he said.
Jackson said Dunedin club rugby was like most other club competitions around New Zealand, in that it was a real struggle to find players.
"Some teams might not feel comfortable sending a front rower away to Oamaru when they are playing a game back in Dunedin."
Jackson said the North Otago union was very thankful that the Otago union was paying travel costs.
From next week the North Otago teams would start playing the Citizen Shield, which involves two full rounds.
Jackson said the union would be keen to have one or two of its teams play in the premier one competition.
"You may end up getting beaten by 40-0 rather than winning 40-0, but there is only one way to get better and that is expose yourself to better sides."
Gardner said the union was about to start a full amateur rugby review, and the inclusion of North Otago clubs in the premier one competition was one issue to be considered.
