Shoemark, the nuggety Hawkes Bay midfielder, who is into his second season with the Highlanders, said the side more than anyone was disappointed with the way the season had gone.
"But there is no way you can put the blame on the coaches.
Those guys have been working really hard and have given us the tools to try and put it together out on the field," Shoemark said.
"But for whatever reason it has just not happened for us.
But we have to do the job out on the field and that is up to us.
"It is a whole lot of little things that added up makes the difference between winning and losing."
Shoemark has been a member of a successful Hawke's Bay side which has made the semifinals of the past two national provincial competitions.
Coupled with a fair sprinkling of players from the Southland side, which also made the semifinals of the provincial competition last year, then the Highlanders should have plenty of "winning" experience.
But it has not worked out that way, as the side clocks up too many losses to be competitive.
"I don't know why we don't win those close games. It is something we as a team can't really put a finger on. But perhaps in those other teams there is a real mental belief that we are going to win. And we know how to win. But for whatever reason it has not happened here."
Shoemark spent the bye week back home in Hawke's Bay, catching up with family, and relaxing the body after a tough few weeks for the franchise.
He was living in Dunedin on his own, as his wife and two children stayed in Hawke's Bay.
But his family's absence has not detracted him on the field, as he sets about righting a few wrongs, which have occurred on the field in the past few games.
After much talk of delivering on promises this year, the side has failed to deliver and sits 11th on the table, with just two wins from nine games.
But despite the lowly position, and with four tough games to go, starting with the Hurricanes on Saturday night at Carisbrook, Shoemark (29) said the side wanted to end the season well.
"The guys are keen to finish off the season well. The spirits in the side are still pretty good in the camp. There is still plenty to play for."
Shoemark said his body felt fine although there was always bumps and bruises to manage.
Shoemark, who first played Super rugby for the Blues back in 2002 after making his first class debut for Northland in 1999, is signed with Hawke's Bay until the end of the year.
His future after that, like many rugby players these days, is undecided, he said.
