After holding an imposing 28-7 lead in the second half against Poverty Bay, the Old Golds capitulated to lose 40-35 in their Lochore Cup semifinal in Oamaru on Saturday.
It was hard to see a talented team finish like that, captain Rory Bartle said.
"It’s a tough pill to swallow for it to end like this.
‘‘We probably didn’t reach our potential as a squad."
A lack of consistency was the undoing of the Old Golds this season, Bartle said.
"Ultimately, every rugby team aspires for consistency and that’s the big area that we never quite achieved this season.
"[The game was] very frustrating, very disappointing but probably just a fair summary of where we’ve been all season."
Poverty Bay were able to turn the game around by attacking the breakdown and playing outside a structure, he said.
"They just create a lot of chaos in that area.
"The more chaotic the game got, the more they fed off that and the more they thrived."
The game, like many this season, started out with a hiss and a roar as North Otago scored in the opening five minutes through barnstorming No 8 Junior Fakatoufifita.
Meli Kolinisau was next to score off a botched Poverty Bay lineout.
That, coupled with two penalties to Lucas Ollion, had the Old Golds in front 18-0.
The visitors finally got on the board with a long-range try from Bosca Tikicidre.
But a quick tap from Tyron Davies had the defence on their heels as he put Mone Samate in space.
The winger drew in the final defender and passed inside to Ollion, who crossed over to restore North Otago’s 18-point lead at the half.
To start the second half, the hosts added another three points before Poverty Bay came charging back with three tries to tie the game up.
North Otago finally strung some phases together and put Jake Greenslade over to inch in front.
Poverty Bay then ran in two late tries to take their first lead of the game with two minutes remaining.
The Old Golds retained a slim chance of victory as they turned the ball over and had a lineout just 5m out.
But Poverty Bay contested and won the ball before booting it into touch to claim victory.
They will play West Coast in the Lochore Cup final on Sunday. In the Meads Cup final, South Canterbury will seek a threepeat as they take on Whanganui.
Lochore Cup semifinal
The scores
Poverty Bay 40
Bosca Tikicidre, James Higgins, Ra Broughton, Mitchell Purvis, Hunter Mokomoko, Moses Christie tries; Ricardo Patricio 2 con, Christie 3 con.
North Otago 35
Junior Fakatoufifita, Meli Kolinisau, Lucas Ollion, Jake Greenslade tries; Ollion 3 con, 3 pen.
Halftime: North Otago 25-7.
