A key toe injury early in their campaign stubbed the St Johns Hill team at last week's National Rippa Rugby Championship in Wellington.
Appearing at the 20-team tournament for the first time in four years, St Johns started well with a 3-2 win over the Southland qualifier.
However, teacher and coach Glen Howells said their star player had to drop out with injury which robbed the side of their pace.
They narrowly lost their next game 4-3, but were then well beaten in the remaining five matches.
Howells said the kids were probably the most "well travelled" in Wellington, visiting all the local attractions in their free time.
The title was won by the Poverty Bay representative.