The First XV produced a seven-win season with only four losses in the under-18 First XV boys’ competition but succumbed at the same hurdle as the previous season.
They lost in the semifinal to Southland Boys’ High School "Dogs of War".
In 2023 they lost to the Southland Boys’ High School Second XV, also in a semifinal.
St Peter’s College rugby administrator Dana Turnbull said the team had put in a big effort.
"Although they are disappointed, that’s semifinals rugby."
In a closely fought game, their semifinal came down to the wire, with a few critical possessions the decider.
With 11 minutes remaining, loosehead prop Austyn Turnbull picked up the ball, driving 8m towards the line to score a critical try.
That made the score 20-17 in favour of Southland Boys’.
Five minutes later Southland Boys’ converted a penalty, meaning St Peter’s needed a converted try to win.
One final push was needed, but unfortunately a knock-on in the dying seconds signalled fulltime and a score of 23-17.
"They finished strong, but that’s all we can really say."
Their biggest win of the season came against the James Hargest College First XV, who they beat 73-14.
Five players had been selected for the Southland Country under-18 squad, which they were "really excited" about.
Austyn Turnbull, Ryan Davers, Dylan Holland, Flynn Reed and Finn Waihape-Hellyer had made the squad.
The team also toured Australia earlier in the year.
"That trip really cemented friendships and bonds which was really evident post-Aussie when they took the field."
Other St Peter’s College rugby teams had also been successful.
The St Peter’s under-16 boys team lost in a semifinal, falling 29-14 to John McGlashan College under-16.
"This is a relatively young side and they developed well over the season, playing some brilliant rugby and implementing some excellent set moves."
The school also had a lot of girls playing now, she said.
"Girls’ rugby has really taken off."
They had a First XV who played in the Southland Wide teenage girls competition, a team in the junior girls competitive 15s competition and a year 7-8 team who had just started their season.
