The Manawatu Turbos' 2012 season is over after a heart-breaking loss to Southland in Invercargill.

With little over a minute left the visitors were leading 11-10 before Marty McKenzie scored a try, which was converted to give them a 17-10 win.

Played in atrocious conditions, the Turbos looked like they'd hold on until the last-gasp try.

Manawatu's Nate George drew first blood with a penalty kick after four minutes.

The conditions didn't allow for expansive play, but Southland's Cardiff Vaega brushed through the defence to score out wide shortly after 20 minutes.

The try was converted.

Manawatu struck back a few minutes later through prop Ma'afu Fia after some good ball control by the forwards.

The Turbos did well in the dying minute of the half not to concede a try.

The second half was a slog with each side battling the conditions.

Manawatu needed the win to keep their chances of making the championship semifinals alive.

- © Fairfax NZ News

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