With time almost up, Mid Canterbury scored a try to seal a 29-26 win and clinch the title.
Otago Sassenachs Gold beat North Otago 29-10 in the playoff for third and fourth, while both Otago women’s teams had one win out of three matches. Canterbury A side won all three games to win the women’s competition.
Otago men’s coach Kane Jury was not too disappointed his side lost the final. He picked two even teams with the sole priority to give everyone some game time ahead of the South Island championship in Timaru this weekend.
"It was disappointing to lose but ... Mid Canterbury scored a try with the last play to steal it," Jury said.
"It was a bit unfortunate for us because when the hooter goes after a try is scored, a restart should happen. But unfortunately that didn’t happen, which was a bit unfortunate for the players.
"But at the end of the day we got 22 guys who had a good run and they are providing some pretty big headaches for us in terms of selection."
Former New Zealand under-20 player Leroy van Dam was outstanding, Paul Tupai was consistent and Gavin Stark was a menace with his pace.
"MacKenzie Haugh may have played every single minute for the blue team," while Brodie Hume was another who stood out.
"Jerome Harimate also made some pretty decisive line breaks as well. Look, it is going to be hard [to pick the final side]."
Jury, who will name his team this week, felt the tournament had provided some much needed competition for the players in the South Island.
"There were little bits and pieces which I’m sure they will learn from and make it better, but I think the concept was great. Everything looked really good, they had tents out, the referees were all organised and it looked like a few people were enjoying themselves on the sideline as well."
Organiser James Symes said about 300 people turned out and, while he hoped for more spectators, plans are well advanced for next year’s event.
"We weren’t expecting miracles in the first year. It was a great day and everything went well so now next year we can really build.
"The corporate side of it has already been sold for next year and the Canterbury men’s side have shown interest."
Canterbury and Tasman teams were in Auckland this weekend, having made those plans before knowing about the North Otago tournament.
