After last week's tryscoring clinics displayed by both Hawkes Bay and Otago, it came as a great surprise that neither team managed to cross the white chalk in at McLean Park in Napier, Hawkes Bay outkicking Otago to win by 21-15.
It was not due to lack of trying, however; Otago were keen to continue where they left off against Tasman last week, throwing the ball around and playing the game at pace. It was a tactic which worked wonders against the Makos in Dunedin, but this Magpies defence was not so forgiving.
Much of the game was played in the middle of the field, the forwards battling at the breakdown area to provide ball to their backline.
The ball seldom left the tackle area, and despite some sparks of backline brilliance, the defence left little room for such play to occur.
It was a tight tussle and the score reflected this, both goal kickers took the points on offer when in range, Otago learning the hard way that Andrew Horrell's range was longer than most and had to watch their discipline within 55 metres.
Hayden Parker's boot also lived up to the challenge, the first five showing he takes lethal kicking boots on tour. Parker levelled the scores with three penalties of his own before Horrell added another to take the home side out to a 12-9 lead at half time.
In the beginning of the second half, Otago came out firing and looked hopeful to catch their rivals' defence napping.
I am unsure what Tony Brown has been saying to his young side at half time, but it is working; the visitors capitalised on their opportunities and took the lead for the first time in the match through a further two penalties to Parker.
Hawkes Bay looked to be on the ropes, and after losing their sharpshooter Horrell, things looked to be in dire straits for the home side. This is until young first-five Ihaia West took the reigns and added a further 3 penalties to take his team out to a 21-15 lead.
With victory only a converted try away and time disappearing quickly on the time clock, Otago picked up the pace yet again, as they surged towards the Hawkes Bay try line to try to clinch a much-needed victory on the road.
Brad Weber came within a metre of crossing the line before the ball was deemed unplayable, the final whistle was blown and the opportunity was lost.
It was by no means a wasted effort from Tony Brown's Otago side, they fought tirelessly and gave Hawkes Bay a real challenge right until the final whistle.
The road towards the playoffs continues for the blue and gold's on Tuesday night against Manuwatu before they return home to defend their home record against Wellington and Auckland.
It won't come easy, but with the determination shown by this young side, the Championship is still well within their reach.