"We're young, we're inexperienced, but next year we'll be that much better."
Any experienced sports reporter has heard that, or something similar, countless times.
But every once in a while a team comes along which silences the cynical voices.
Otago did just that when it beat a talent-laden North 56-53 to win the third-fourth play-off match at the national championships in Rotorua on Saturday.
Yes, the third-fourth play-off game is the match no team wants to play.
And perhaps Otago had more to prove than North, which looked like it would rather be on the bus home after losing the semifinal to Southland in dramatic fashion.
But after battling to close out tight matches during the championships, Otago finally found the formula.
And its third place finish represents a pleasing result for what is a young and relatively inexperienced side.
Sporting a wide grin, Otago coach Georgie Salter told the Otago Daily Times her side was two or three years away from reaching its potential and the future of netball in the province was in good hands.
"I've seen some real development in the team as a whole," Salter said.
"Phillipa Finch has been consistent throughout the whole campaign, as have Jess [Tuki] and Hannah Broederlow.
"Deb White was really scratchy coming off ANZ ... but found her home at goal defence.
''And Millie Lees has really grown at this tournament here.
"I'll go so far as to say she is good enough to challenge for the Silver Ferns."
While the majority of the Otago squad will be back for a shot at the title next year, there are some casualties.
White is moving to Auckland to play for the Northern Mystics in the ANZ Championship, Tuki is heading to Hamilton to link up with the Magic and Finch is contemplating a permanent shift to Christchurch.
The trio were crucial in Otago's win over North.
The southerners looked the fresher of the two sides and had the better of the first quarter, despite misfiring in the shooting circle.
Otago dominated the exchanges in the midcourt, with Finch and Broederlow menacing their opponents.
The pair picked off some lethargic passes in what was an underwhelming first half performance from one of the competition's pre-tournament favourites.
Trailing by six goals at half-time, North settled into some better netball and showed more urgency to prune the margin to four goals with 15min to play.
As it had done for most of the campaign, Otago went into its shell when the match tightened up.
With just over 8min remaining, North levelled the game, but this time Otago was able to hold its nerve and close the game out.
Otago 56 (Greir Campbell 29 from 41, Jessica Tuki 27/33), North 53 (Cathrine Latu 29/31, Julie Kelman-Poto 21/25, Brigette Tapene 3/4). Quarter 13-11, half-time 30-24, threequarters 43-39.
