The Bay of Plenty Steamers 2016 campaign is over after losing their Mitre 10 Cup Championship semifinal against Otago.

The Steamers battled it out as they looked to book their spot in the championship final, but a resilient Otago held on to win 27–20 at Forsyth Barr Stadium in Dunedin last night.

From the start the Steamers forwards grinded away. Within minutes they were rewarded and turned an Otago scrum, with Dan Hollinshead easily converting the penalty to take an early lead.

When the home crowd found their voice, Otago gained momentum and took the lead with Tom Franklin scoring the first try of the match, which was then easily converted by Fletcher Smith.

But the Steamers persistent attack saw Otago's discipline lapse and Hollinshead converted another penalty to draw the score within one. But again Otago responded, with quick ball out to their left winger Naulia Dawai who finished the scoring for the first half, Otago leading 14-6.

James Lentjes then extended Otago's lead shortly after the break after wriggling free from a tackle he reached out and dotted down.

The Steamers found their way and silenced the Otago crowd when Lalakai Foketi crossed the line and was awarded the try following TMO review. But Smith lethal with his boot extended Otago's lead soon after with a penalty out in front.

The tables looked like they'd turned for the Steamers when lock Tom Franklin was yellow carded midway through the second half for a needless shoulder charge off the ball.

But the Steamers were unable to capitalise on the opportunity. A couple of spilled passes at crucial moments when it looked like the Steamers could draw in the score line were costly.

With five minutes remaining, when it looked like Otago had booked their spot in the Mitre 10 Cup Championship semifinal the Steamers attacked with urgency and Terrence Hepetema scored to put the game within seven.

But it was Otago's day and they held on for a 27-20 win. They will now face either North Harbour or Wellington in next weekend's Mitre 10 Cup Championship Final.

Otago 27 (Tom Franklin, Naulia Dawai, James Lentjes tries; Fletcher Smith con 3, pen, Scott Eade pen)

Bay of Plenty 20 (Lalakai Foketi, Terrence Hepetema tries; Dan Hollinshead con, pen 2). HT: 14-6.