It was a scrappy start for Tony Brown's side. Handling errors and missed tackles gave the visitors a 13-0 lead early on, but Otago clawed their way back into the match through the boot of first-five Hayden Parker.
Some of the exciting back-play Otago showed in their 2012 campaign was evident in their opening clash of the year, but it was evident their new game plan also involved looking for territorial advantage.
The home side camped themselves in Bay of Plenty's half during the second spell, frustrating their opponents into coughing up valuable penalties which Parker took advantage of.
This did not mean, however, that Otago were without fault. Their ill-discipline at the breakdown gave Bay of Plenty equal opportunity to capitalise through penalties, which Willie Ripia took without avail.
The exception was the decisive moment in the match, when Bay of Plenty looked for the win and kicked for touch, rather than taking the three points on offer to claim a draw.
TJ Ioane had a stand-out performance for the home side, coming off the bench as an impact player and claiming a vital try late in the second half.
Otago's other try-scorer, Peter Breen, also had a strong performance. Although normally stationed at first receiver, Breen slotted in at second five-eighth outside Hayden Parker after proving his worth in the position during preseason clashes.
The win was not without cost for Otago - wing Buxton Popali'i sustained a hamstring injury, and it is unknown when he will return.
Otago face Waikato in their second clash of the season next Friday, and will look to claim the prized Ranfurly Shield after a 56-year drought for the region.
