However, Hastings Boys' High School head coach Mark Ozich had no qualms with the decision to turn down the points.
"The boys backed themselves and that's the way we've played all year."
Considering the disruption to the team before kick off and the 17 consecutive wins before reaching the final, Hastings Boys's High School can still be extremely proud of what they achieved this season.
As Ozich said afterwards:
"It was a tough day at the office but the boys showed a lot of fight and a lot of ticker. We've come a long way, nobody ranked us and we came from nowhere to win the Hurricanes and Super 8 titles and reach this final for the first time in the school's history."
Star halfback Folau Fakatava was ruled out of the final with a bout of concussion collected in Friday's semifinal win against Hamilton Boys' High School.
This forced vice-captain and regular first five-eighth Lincoln McClutchie to start in the 9 jersey, Toala to switch from his regular role of fullback to pivot and Gideo Kautai to move from the subs' bench to fullback.
There was further bad news for the underdogs when inspirational captain and loosehead prop Kianu Kereru-Symes was forced from the field with a head knock after 16 minutes.
"The rest of the match was a bit of a blur for me after that," Kereru-Symes said afterwards
"The loss was a tough pill to swallow. But I'm proud of the manner in which the boys conducted themselves this weekend and throughout the entire season."
He has yet to make a final decision on whether he will return to school next year. "It's definitely a consideration and we can build on this next year."
Ozich predicted "only five or six" of his squad won't be returning next year.
"This was the school's first appearance in the top four for 12 years. I'm certain it won't be that long until we are back again.
There's so much support from within the school and the wider community ... look at that, you can't beat it," Ozich added as old boys and supporters performed the Ngati Kahungunu haka Tika Tonu in response to the players' version of the school haka Akina.
Toala, who succeeded with all three of his attempts at goal, was classy in all aspects of play and should be among at least four players from the team named in the New Zealand Secondary Schools side this week. McClutchie and No8 Devan Flanders were also prominent for Hastings.
The fact Mount Albert managed just one try, to player-of-the-match openside flanker Isaiah Papali'i was a tribute to the tenacious defence produced by the entire Hastings squad. Along with Papali'i, lock Thomas Barlow was a workaholic in the MAGS pack.
Fullback Niven Longopoa was a threat on attack.
Considering Hastings didn't have a lot of possession they must be commended for what they did with their limited amount. As has been the case all season there was tremendous impact off the bench and it was appropriate one of their best impact players, loosie Jeriah Mua, should score their sole try.
Match highlights:
Heartstopper: Hastings Boys' High School captain Kianu Kereru-Symes leaving the field with a head knock in the 15th minute. A huge blow for the team which had already lost the services of star halfback Folau Fakatava with concussion from the semifinal and one of their key locks Liam Bauckham with injury earlier in the week.
Turning point: Hastings Boys' High School's decision not to take a handy penalty kick at goal in the 39th minute. At the final whistle this proved crucial in the game's outcome.
Player of the match: Mount Albert Grammar School's openside flanker Isaiah Papali'i. Powerful on the charge, some awesome cover defensive work and his handling in slippery conditions couldn't be faulted.
Mt Albert Grammar 14 (Isaiah Papali'i try; Oliver Shepherd 3 pens) Hastings Boys' High School 13 (Jeriah Mua try; Danny Toala 2 pens, con).
Halftime: Mt Albert 8-3.
