Otago had its first national provincial competition win over Southland for four years, winning their ITM Cup clash 15-10 in Invercargill last night and reclaiming the Donald Stuart Memorial Trophy.
It came on the back of a committed defensive display - one where it was more about attitude and heart then the spectacular.
With the Invercargill heavens opening up shortly after kick-off, it was never going to be a feast of running rugby.
In fact, watching paint dry would probably more pleasurable than sitting through a replay of this 80 minutes.
But competition points are won through the points on the scoreboard, not who has the most style, and Otago deserved its win for its commitment on defence.
Twice it held Southland defenders up over the tryline and, although it had little ball with which to play, it deserved the victory.
Otago coach Tony Brown acknowledged the huge effort from his side on defence.
"The boys played with a lot of heart. I thought we were pretty scratchy for the first 20 minutes. It was not until we started using the ball a bit better that we did something on attack," Brown said.
"But then the rain came down and we just stood strong on defence. We just wanted to do it for each other.
"Our defensive effort just got stronger and stronger as the game went on and we are starting to learn how to play the game. It is a huge step for the side to come to Invercargill and beat Southland. Not many teams have done that.
"I have to pay credit to our front row and tight five as a whole. They put a lot of pressure on a tight five which was of Super 15 quality."
The win is Otago's second victory from three games while Southland notched its third straight loss.
Brown had set no goals at the start of the season and was still not getting carried away after the victory.
"I'm happy as long as we keep improving and keep learning."
Otago did not score a try and did not have a lot of time on attack but it could not be totally blamed for that.
Referee Bryce Lawrence handed out more than 20 penalties which did not do much for the continuity of the game.
Best for the Otago side was captain Paul Grant, while flanker Lee Allan got through plenty of work, as did prop Scott Manson.
Halfback Fumiaka Tanaka put in some nice box kicks and Hayden Parker kicked with enough accuracy.
Centre Jayden Spence looked dangerous with the ball in hand but, when the heavens opened shortly after kick-off, it was obviously not going to be a feast of running rugby.
The first 40 minutes was full of endeavour but not a lot of accuracy.
Lawrence rather strangely went for an opinion from the third match official after a penalty attempt was ruled not to have gone over.
Southland had the lion share's of possession and territory in the first period but it took until the final minute of the half to cross the tryline.
Centre Nathan Hohaia scored for the home side after a nice grubber kick from Robbie Robinson which could not be controlled by the Otago defence.
Otago managed to survive lock Rob Verbakel being yellow carded after 28 minutes of the first half.
He sent Robinson somersaulting in an ugly tip tackle and left referee Lawrence with little option but to go to his pocket.
ITM Cup
The scores
Otago ... 15
Hayden Parker 4 pen, Peter Breen pen
Southland ... 10
Nathan Hohaia try, Marty McKenzie con, pen
Halftime: 9-7 Otago
Crowd: 5000ITM Cup
The draw
Taranaki v Hawkes Bay
• New Plymouth, Friday, 6.05pm
Counties v Bay of Plenty
• Pukekohe, Friday, 8.05pm
Auckland v Waikato
• Auckland, Saturday, 2.35pm
Canterbury v Wellington
• Christchurch, Saturday, 4.35pm
Manawatu v Tasman
• Palmerston North, Sunday, 2.35pm
Northland v North Harbour
• Whangarei, Sunday, 4.35pm
Waikato v Bay of Plenty
• Hamilton, Tuesday, 7.35pm
Tasman v Southland
• Blenheim, Wednesday, 7.35pm
North Harbour v Manawatu
• Albany, Thursday, 7.35pm
