That was a testament to just how well the province’s top two teams have been performing this season.
The Otago Spirit were undefeated in the Farah Palmer Cup Championship.
They beat Northland 37-12 in the final and will play in the top-tier Premiership next season.
The Otago men have made it through to the semifinals of the NPC and they have a team capable of going on to win.
It has been a stellar season with perhaps more good news around the corner.
But last night was about individuals in the team, and one player stood out much more often than the rest — Otago halfback Dylan Pledger.
The New Zealand under-20 star has had an outsized impact on what is effectively his rookie season in the NPC.
The speed at which he clears the rucks, his vision and his game smarts have got many knowledgeable rugby people talking about his elevation to the All Blacks as being a matter of when, not if.
But his first job is to clear space on his mantlepiece. He was named Otago player of the year, back of the year, rookie of the year and the season members’ player of the year.
Powerhouse No 8 Christian Lio-Willie has been consistently excellent and must have been in contention for the MVP, and star flanker Lucas Casey mounted a strong case as well.
The "Crazy Latta" players’ player of the year award went to injured hooker Henry Bell.
He broke his collarbone while helping Otago defend the Ranfurly Shield against North Harbour. His work rate and tackle count clearly made a big impression on his team-mates.
Of course, he cannot get through the metal detector at the airport without beeping now. He has a metal plate holding his collarbone together.
The forward of the year title went to blindside Will Stodart, who has been one of the quiet achievers in the pack.
The Spirit shared the trophies a little more evenly.
Captain Greer Muir was the biggest winner. She scooped the forward of the year and MVP awards.
She rolled back the clock with some sensational tries this season.
Second five Naomi Sopoaga must have attracted some votes. She was a beast in the midfield, and openside flanker Sarah Jones made a huge impact as well.
Halfback Abigail Paton was named back of the year. She was a livewire for Spirit and her effort at getting the ball wide quickly was critical in the team’s success.
Lock Leila Hill collected the players’ player award, and the team player award went to Rawinia Ngamoki-Moana.
