It was a see-saw battle, but Southland claimed the scalp of neighbour Otago by 38-32 to take the Donald Stuart Memorial back to Invercargill.
It was a special afternoon for the visitors whose captain, Jamie Mackintosh, became the 12th Stag to reach 100 games for the proud province, and his supporters showed up in numbers to support the prop's big day.
Despite confirmation Mackintosh will play his rugby in Hamilton next year for the Chiefs, there is no doubt this southern man's move to cross the strait is one that is done so begrudgingly.
The former Highlanders captain, who played 67 times for the franchise, voiced his frustration over his time in Dunedin this year after he lost his starting role to make way for All Black Tony Woodcock, who will also leave the franchise after only one season.
Sometimes loyalty, even in Mackintosh's case, only stretches so far.
Otago looked to play their usual open-style game, but Southland showed they had done their homework and outplayed their rivals at their own game by exposing the home side's weaknesses.
Much like their game against Manawatu last week, Otago's defence was exposed at times and their missed tackle count of 21 became the difference between the two sides as Southland pounced on these mistakes.
The home side looked strong out wide and scored three of their tries through this channel, but it was Southland's ability to cut open the defence and score tries from their own-22 that gave them the advantage.
With usual captain Paul Grant sidelined through injury, Liam Coltman took the reins for this match, as he did last week halfway through the clash against Manawatu.
Although Grant's absence at the breakdown was felt, as the Stags controlled this area, Coltman should be commended for his effort in charge of such an important clash.
Coltman has come a long way - he has made the most of his opportunities and with a test jersey on the horizon for the young hooker, the drive to claim a spot in the All Blacks should see his improvement continue.
Southland claimed the five championship points on offer from this match and have moved into second place on the ladder while their neighbour sits in third.
With Hawkes Bay and Manawatu hot on their tails, trailing by only one and two points respectively, Otago will need to claim some bonus-point wins in their last three clashes of the year, against North Harbour, Northland and Auckland, if they hope to claim a prized home semifinal.
