PGG Wrightson/Ballance Taihape overcame a massive psychological barrier when they finally reversed 23 straight defeats to McCarthy's Transport Ruapehu with a 25-23 win in Ohakune on Saturday.
But it was only just.
Despite scoring four tries to two, Taihape did not have much success in the goal-kicking department, while returning Ruapehu first-five Zyon Hekenui contributed the full set of conversions, penalties and first drop goal of the 2015 Tasman Tanning Premier competition.
Flanker Marcus Tottman scored two tries for the visitors, while captain Tremaine Gilbert and big outside back Cyrus Tasi also crossed.
After three straight years of making the grand final, Ruapehu's campaign now stands on shaky ground after a previously unheard of four defeats, although they have all been close bonus-point losses.