It is not every day a coach admits losing is a good thing.
But Mid Western coach Simon Cauty believes, in the context of the season, his side's 23-22 loss to Hora Hora in the Bayleys Southern Districts Premier competition could not have come at a better time.
Mid Western'sloss breaks a winning streak of seven that has seen them secure their spot within the top four with one match remaining.
Cauty said that if his side had of got out of jail during Saturday's match, it probably would not have helped their mentality going into the semifinals.
"We certainly didn't deserve to win," Cauty said. "To be honest, it's probably a good thing [losing]. You never like losing, but, it was a bit of a wake-up because I think we'd won seven in a row so it's probably the best thing that could have happened.
"Hora Hora are always a hard team to play against, [and] they played well. We got better as the game went on, but the first half was by far our worst half we've played all year.
"We made a lot of mistakes in the first half. We barely touched the ball in the first 20, [and then] by the time we got it together, which was with about 15 to go, it was too late."
Cauty praised Hora Hora for their intensity and physicality at the breakdown, saying his side was pushed around a little at times. "We just couldn't get our hands on the ball, and when we did we couldn't get through two or three phases without knocking it on."
With one round remaining in the Bayleys Southern Districts Premier competition, the semifinalists have been found, but who will finish where is uncertain, except for Mid Northern who are comfortably on top. Mid Western are second on 60 points, followed by Hora Hora on 59, and then Old Boys Marist on 58.
Next week doesn't get easier for Mid Western who take on Mid Northern at Hukerenui while Old Boys Marist will host fifth-placed Wellsford. Hikurangi will have Hora Hora at home, Otamatea will host Waipu, and the Western Sharks will play for pride against Kamo at home.
