In front of their fans, the Bulls, who had not won a competition rugby game since June 14 last year, thrashed Maniototo 47-5.
Being up 28-0 at halftime, Jackson admits, "was a massive surprise for probably all of us really".
"We’ve been working quite hard at a few areas and it all just seemed to come together on the day."
The 30-year-old, who led the team out on the field, says when he got a preseason injury he was tempted to call it quits.
"But I didn’t realise how close I was to the 100 so I decided to stick it out."
A lifelong Arrowtowner and one of the few team members who lives there, Jackson first played for the side in 2017 during its halcyon days.
"We seemed to always be around the semifinals or finals."
Winning the Central Otago comp in 2019 had been his playing highlight.
In recent lean years, he says injuries have been a big factor — "we just run out of numbers".
"But I think this year’s going to be a good year."
Jackson says head coach Aidan Winter and high-profile assistants Tony Ensor and Kenny Lynn "seem to be doing a great job of it".
This Saturday they are playing Alexandra at home before tackling Upper Clutha in a White Horse Cup challenge in Wanaka next Thursday night.
"I think if we keep on building the way we are, we’re going to go in with a lot of confidence to that game."
Jackson admits he struggles to walk after trainings and games these days.
So this might be his last season?
"There’s a small chance, yeah."
• Arrowtown v Alexandra, Jack Reid Park, Arrowtown, Saturday, 2.30pm
