GVL | ‘Crucial clash for us’: Rochester to take on Bombers

By Aydin Payne

Jun 23, 2022

Leading the way: Rochester defender Bridgette Holt has been a standout in defence. Photo by Rechelle Zammit

This weekend shapes up as a crucial round for two Goulburn Valley League A-grade outfits in the context of their respective seasons.

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Rochester and Kyabram enter the round-12 clash locked on 10 points each and are 10 points behind sixth-placed Shepparton.

Finals action is still on the cards for both outfits, but a loss on Saturday at Moon Oval will almost certainly close the door on this season.

Back in round two, the sides shared the points in a thrilling 49-49 affair and Tigers’ coach Rachel Whipp is expecting another tight tussle.

Whipp said her outfit understood the significance of the match.

“Kyabram are a tough and physical team and it will be another close one,” Whipp said.

“We were a young side and a little bit inexperienced, but we are a little bit stronger now and hopefully the result ends up in our favour.

“It’s a really crucial clash for us.

“I don’t think our position on the ladder is a true reflection of our ability.

“We are yet to play a couple of teams but a win here will definitely help us moving forward.”

Rochester enters this weekend off the back of two gallant and spirited defeats against the competition’s two benchmark teams in Seymour and Euroa.

“Although we haven’t had the wins, I’ve been really proud and pleased of the group for their performances,” Whipp said.

“We have had a few out, which has hurt our cohesion, but the past couple of matches we’ve started to get our full side back in.

“Even our younger girls in Charlee and Ella Roulston, Teal Hocking as well, have been stepping up.

“Bridgette Holt has really led the way in defence for our youngsters.

“Our shooters have also been in great touch and Morgan Dingwall has really settled that attacking end.”

In other round-11 action, third-placed Shepparton United will welcome the Shepparton Swans to Deakin Reserve for Jessie Barnes’ 150th game on Saturday.

Mooroopna will be looking to keep pressure on table-topping Seymour when it plays host to Shepparton, while fellow top-four outfit Euroa will will do battle with Tatura.

In the final Saturday game Benalla will face a trip to Victoria Park to take on Echuca and on Sunday Seymour will take on last-placed Mansfield at Kings Park.