Dixon, who was no stranger to pushing Elliot hard for a starting role before spending the previous two seasons in Auckland, had a phenomenal defensive work rate, impressed with his link play and always gained valuable metres on the charge.
"I was pretty happy with my form. This is a huge year for the Magpies and I'm here to push Hika," Dixon, a former Blues hooker, said afterwards.
"As a team we made a few errors which we have to address against Bay of Plenty," Dixon said referring to the Magpies next pre-season outing in Whakatane on Wednesday.
"We haven't been together long and that showed in our first hit out. It wasn't a top Waikato side and we've still got Super boys to come back," Dixon added.
Dixon and Magpies coach Craig Philpott agreed the Magpies created enough scoring chances on a surprisingly firm surface considering the amount of rain before kick-off, but didn't capitalise on them.
"Our attack was reasonable but we got a bit too lateral at times when we needed more go forward," Philpott said.
"There were times when the boys were trying stuff they can get away with at club level, but you can't at this level which is to be expected at this time in the season.
"The club coaches will be happy we're not bringing any injured players home before this weekend's club semifinals," Philpott said. "More directness on attack and greater accountability on one-on-one defence will be our main work-ons before the Bay of Plenty game," he added.
Far too often Waikato first five-eighth Sam Christie and his outside backs including winger and New Zealand Sevens star Tim Mikkelson were able to bust the Magpies defensive line at will.
In fact, Waikato were unlucky not score at least three tries early in the first quarter that were all saved by winger Nick McLennan, who impressed with his speed on the scramble.
Magpies lock Maselino Paselino, who displayed vast improvement on his club form from last weekend, scored the Magpies' first try in the 15th minute. It came one phase after the Magpies opted for a lineout instead of an easy three points from a penalty.
Waikato led 10-7 at halftime and took a 15-7 lead in the 42nd minute when Mikkelson scampered away after a rare defensive lapse from Magpies captain and No8 Mike Coman.
Bullocking Waikato prop Loni Uhila, who appeared more of a league player than a union player, scored the first of two tries in the 69th minute that captain and fullback Trent Renata converted to give the hosts a 22-7 lead.
Three minute later Magpies substitute winger Shannan Chase scored an intercept try that fullback Gillies Kaka converted to give the score some respectability. Uhila scored his second try, which Renata converted, to give Waikato a 29-14 lead.
The Magpies were rewarded for their never-say-die approach when halfback Michael Ruru scored a late try which substitute first five-eighth Luke Makris converted.
Result: Waikato 29 (Loni Uhila 2, Tim Mikkelson, Sam Christie tries; Trent Renata 3 cons, pen) Hawke's Bay 21 (Maselino Paulino, Shannan Chase, Michael Ruru tries; Ihaia West, Gillies Kaka, Luke Makris cons). HT: 10-7.
