The level of difficulty increased further on arrival when the Wakatipu boys stepped off the bus to see the Maniototo's favourite son, All Black Andrew Hore, warming up on the sideline.
And so it was, despite another strong performance from Wakatipu veteran Nick Cournane, the team was on a hiding to nothing, going down 44-10. Openside flanker Marcus Balchin was another Wakatipu player to stand out in the face of All Black opposition.
But Maniototo is far more than a one-trick pony and, although it was a thrill for players, fans and Central Otago Rugby in general to have Andrew Hore on the field, it always had this game won with or without him.
Meanwhile, Arrowtown travelled down the gorge to face a resurgent Clyde team, which has improved markedly in 2011.
But, as it turned out, it is still well short of the mark when it comes to mixing it with last year's finalist and current White Horse Cup holder, Arrowtown, which beat its hosts 24-15.
The frustration of not being good enough obviously got to both the Clyde players and their band of supporters, with a number of on and off-field incidents of an unsavoury nature spoiling a good game of footy.
It must be said, the true quality of a sportsman is displayed when faced with a gut-wrenching defeat and his ability to shake hands with the victor and get on with life.
[Queenstown Times sports columnist Scott Stevens has replied to criticism of his report: "I write for Queenstown and Arrowtown residents and always have done. I'm sure a Clyde reporter would write an opposing point of view. In any case, if you believe there is a case for Arrowtown to answer, I suggest you contact Central Otago Rugby and lay a complaint. All the best with the remainder of the season.]
