"I probably underplayed them in my own mind," Putt admitted. "We've analysed the Steamers and that was the best performance I've seen from them all year.
"They were playing as if Super 14 contracts were on the line and they were trying to take them.  They were hungry, they were accurate and they bullied us, which is definitely a compliment."
When Murray Williams, a late change into the first-five jersey after Mike Delany failed a fitness test, followed up his own chip after the final siren had sounded, it was also the first time all season the Steamers have scored four tries in a match.
Williams ended with 23 points and a much-needed shot of confidence.  He played his best game in a Bay jersey since his debut against the Lions last year, missing just one shot at goal and laying on a perfect wipers kick for Hayden Reid's try.
He made two strong runs inside the first half hour, which increased attention on him for the rest of the game and allowed Cory Aporo to slip through several gaps outside him.
Williams also mixed in some dross, getting turned in tackles and having his clearing kick charged down for James Maher's try, which gave Counties an 11-8 halftime lead, but he still ended the game well ahead on the ledger.
Counties were flat and nowhere near the outfit that ran Canterbury close for the Ranfurly Shield the previous week.  They spent the best part of 30secs attacking inside Bay's 22m during the entire second half and appeared devoid of any structure.
To be fair, they weren't allowed to play.  Bay's aggression at the breakdowns, supporting openside Nili Latu with strong numbers, was a key factor in the domination and even the match officials were impressed.
Locks Aaron Rameka and Mark Sorenson played with fire and the Bay frontrow gave the young Counties props a master class. Rameka popped up for a deserved try in the 68th minute, set up by a sweet Aporo pass after a clever Williams break.
But the most deserved try of the evening went to Reid.  The genial fullback has had a rough time since signing with his home province after several seasons away last year, played out of position and afflicted by injury.
He may not be the fastest outside back around but at least you know you're only ever going to get best effort, and his best efforts were pretty valuable against Counties.  He was safe under the high ball, sound on defence, and he returned kicks with hard, straight running.
When Anthony Tahana latched onto Williams' wiper kick, Reid was diligently on his shoulder to take the final pass and gallop in for his first Steamers try.
And that summed up Bay's performance.  They tried hard, things came off and they were rewarded.  Bring on Hawke's Bay.

Story with thanks to the Bay of Plenty Times