Otago Country finished its six match season with a 28-23 loss to Canterbury Country at Milton on Saturday.
The match completed a frustrating season in which the team failed to record a win. Otago Country coach Roger Cotton said the performance was by far the best of the season.
''Everyone came together. The boys played really, really well and it was a great performance to watch,'' he said.
''The boys were disappointed they didn't win [but] they should be proud of themselves.''
The home side was ahead 23-21 with 10 minutes left in the match before a late try, after a long period of defence on its own line, sealed the victory for Canterbury Country.
Otago Country crossed for three tries in the game, to Matt Holmes, Quinton Smith and Pete O'Malley. Rhys Harrold added the extras in the form of two penalties and a conversion in the first half.
The home side kicked far less ball away this week and Cotton said it made a big difference.
''We held on to the ball and we got our pattern running. It was pleasing as a coach to see.''
Otago B beat Southland B 43-26 at Forsyth Barr Stadium on Saturday, after leading 19-7 at halftime.
Josh Ioane played well in the Otago backline and Hadleigh May scored two tries to help Otago B to a convincing win.
Otago under 19 had a convincing 52-12 win over Southland under 19 at Forsyth Barr Stadium, also on Saturday, to make it two wins from two games.
Its big game is against Canterbury under 19 in Christchurch this Saturday, to decide seedings for the South Island group for the national under 19 tournament in Taupo later this month.
Country rugby
The scores
Canterbury Country 28
Mat Rogers 2, Sunia Kabu, Tino Elisara tries; Monty Maule 3 con, Shannon Donald con
Otago Country 23
Matt Holmes, Quinton Smith, Pete O'Malley tries; Rhys Harrold 2 pen, con
Halftime: 18-7 Otago Country.
