It was a chance for Dundee High Rugby to pit themselves against Premiership opposition in an RBS Caledonia Cup clash with Aberdeen Grammar Rugby but chances, and the lack of taking them, was what led to their downfall in a 24-0 defeat.
They had their first opportunity after only five minutes but full back Bryce Hosie pushed a penalty wide then wing Matt Sullivan spilled the ball when the try looked on after he had been set up by stand-off Jason Stewart.
It was then the turn of the hosts to launch an attack and the opening score came after 15 minutes when Erlend Oag finished off some nifty play by Aberdeen to nip over for the try, a score which dumped Dundee who must have felt that they were in with a real shout.
More misery followed when former Mayfield favourite Harry Duthie exposed the Dundee midfield defence to coast in and, with both tries converted by stand off Sam Knudson, Aberdeen turned round a comfortable 14-0 ahead.
With the wind at their backs in the second half, Aberdeen could have been expected to stretch away but Dundee were well organised and their play was solid enough to prevent the hosts capitalising on the momentum they built up with only another Oag try in the second half unpicking the solid and hard working Dundee defence.
Knudson added the conversion and a final penalty to give Aberdeen a 24-0 win and they now look favourites to go on to the quarter finals of the National Cup, but Dundee will rue those early misses.
It is back to RBS National League business with a vengeance on Saturday for Dundee in what could realistically be described as a make or break clash with Watsonians at Mayfield.
The capital club lie second in the table. Dundee are four points behind in fourth place, though second place by Christmas is possible.