The season ended the way it started for the Tasman Mako, blown off the park by Bay of Plenty in its sudden death NPC quarterfinal at the Tauranga Domain.
After being stunned 37-7 by the Steamers in the season-opener, the Mako was kept scoreless in the second half on Saturday as it went down 27-7.
The visitors scored the only first half try after a chip kick from fullback David Havili was chased down by wing Kyren Taumoefolau who gave Chiefs fans a glimpse of what he could bring for his new franchise next year.
Despite conceding 11 penalties, the Mako led 7-6 at half-time.
But in a repeat of last week, the Steamers stormed home in the second spell with their pace on the flanks exposing the Mako defence.
Given space out wide, wing Kele Lasaqa was way too quick for the cover as BOP hit the front in the 47th minute.
The Mako was threatening at the three-quarter mark but lost the ball on the home side's 22 and first five Lucas Cashmore launched a counter-attack.
The sweeping movement ended with the other wing Fehi Fineanganofo scoring to open up a 13 point lead.
Minutes later, No. 8 Nikora Broughton picked up the loose ball and bolted 65 metres.
He was just collared short of the Mako goal line but the resulting desperate defence from first five William Havili saw him sin-binned.
The Steamers opted for an attacking scrum and a penalty try was awarded.
Last year's finalists went on to win comfortably 27-7 to advance to the semifinals again.
Captain David Havili said he was super proud of the players who made Mako debuts this season with Marist lock Joseph Domoni the latest when he subbed on with eight minutes to play.
"Bay of Plenty took it to us in the last 20 minutes and capitalised on a few opportunities. It wasn't the greatest year for us," said David in the post-match Sky interview.
Not great is putting it mildly.
The side was underwhelming as it fell away after almost winning back the Ranfurly Shield from Canterbury mid-season.
The Mako lost five of its last six matches as the injury list mounted.
"There were a lot of injuries throughout the year but we won't take that as an excuse," insisted David who was the standout in the backs while No.8 Fletcher Anderson led the charge up front.
