Under-12 girls
The Rochester under-12 girls faced their biggest challenge yet in a nail-biting clash against South Bendigo White, emerging victorious 1.4 (10) to 0.3 (3) in a hard-fought contest with only 11 players on the field.
South Bendigo came out firing, applying relentless pressure and scooping up every loose ball.
At quarter-time, coach Trent Riordan urged his team to stay alert and match South Bendigo’s speed.
His call was heard loud and clear, with Kaylee Saunders stepping up with fierce tackling and sharp ball work, supported strongly by Willow Brooks.
By half-time, the game was still a tense arm wrestle, with just a single point separating the teams.
In the second half, Rochester shifted gears, sticking to a game plan of running, shepherding, and tackling with intent.
Billie Watson stood tall across the field, shutting down South Bendigo’s scoring efforts and earning the well-deserved A & L Holmberg one-percenter award for her all-game brilliance.
Well done, Billie, the team is incredibly proud of you.
In the final quarter, superstar Frankie Hay sealed the win with a brilliant goal, the only major score of the match.
The siren blew on a gutsy, all-in team effort.
Coach Riordan was full of praise.
“Every week you listen, every week you follow the plan,” he said.
“I couldn’t ask for more.”
This Friday at 5.45pm, get down to Moon Oval and show your support as the girls face another fierce opponent, Golden Square.
A & L Holmberg one-percenter award: Billie Watson.
Milkshake Lane award: Abbie Griffiths.
The Café Rochester award: Kaylee Saunders.
Under-12 mixed
It was a great day for footy on Sunday morning at Windridge Oval.
A great, close game was played at quite high standards by both teams despite the inaccuracy for goal.
The Tigers' pressure was outstanding in the first half.
Carter Lee, Rhylee Chandler, and Heath Wilkins were all attacking the ball hard, and Max Seabrook kicked a great early goal to lead by six points at half-time.
The third quarter was even, with both teams kicking two goals each.
Riley Nichol was strong in the ruck with great help from Orly Cuttriss at ground level.
In the last quarter, the Tigers couldn't buy a goal.
Despite their best efforts to stop Kyabram, the Bombers came home too strong, kicking the only three goals of the quarter, our Tigers losing by 13 points, but a great effort by all.
Rochester 4.10 (34) lost to Kyabram Bombers Red 6.11 (47)
A & L Holmberg one-percenter award: Carter Lee.
Canteen awards: Rhylee Chandler, Heath Wilkins, and Orly Cuttriss.
Round nine is Friday, July 4, under lights at Echuca South Recreation Reserve vs Echuca United Eagles at 6.30pm
Under-15 girls
A strong start from Rochester, who, with the majority of possessions in the first term, got the game off to a great start.
Rochy were the fitter, faster side on the day, keeping North chasing their lead throughout the entire game.
Excellent attacking down the field and strong defensive pressure from the Tigers was great, with a nail-biting finish seeing Rochy just sneak home over North Bendigo.
Rochester 16 defeated North Bendigo 13
Best: Evie Riordan, Maya Riordan, Macey Ryan, Abby Ryan, Alida Beer, Ella Treacy.
Goal kickers: Alida Beer, Evie Riordan.
Mayreef Pty Ltd One Percenter Award: Alida Beer.
Canteen Awards: Abby Ryan, Liv Mundie, Tilly Ryan.
Under-14 Mixed
It was a mild Sunday afternoon for Rochester to take on Eaglehawk at home.
Rochester started the game well with the first two goals of the game to Mac Dickinson and Hugh Acocks.
It was an even contest for the remainder of the quarter, with both teams having plenty of the ball.
Harrison Pangrazio was strong in defence, as Rochester worked hard at every contest.
Goals for the quarter went to Mac Dickinson with three, Hugh Acocks and Judd Cuttriss.
Rochester lifted from quarter time, moving the ball beautifully down the ground by hand and sharing the ball around to different players.
Luke Drust was working hard on the wing, Hugh Acocks and Judd Cuttriss dominating out of the middle.
It was four goals to Mac Dickinson and two goals to Judd Cuttriss for the quarter as Rochester stretched the margin further.
Rochester continued the momentum, dominating through the middle and getting the ball forward.
Maddox Parker made himself known, kicking a goal on his return from a broken wrist.
Other goalscorers were three to Mac Dickinson and singles to Asher Rasmussen, Hugh Acocks, Walt James, Jackson Wolfe and Jordan Peters.
Eaglehawk came out with momentum in the fourth, moving the ball into their forward line on more occasions, but was unable to challenge Rochester on the scoreboard.
Goals to Mason Mundie, Asher Rasmussen and Mac Dickinson.
Mac Dickinson had a fantastic game, finishing with 11 goals, Rochester taking home the win by 120 points.
Rochester 23.9 (147) defeated Eaglehawk 4.3 (27)
Best players: Mac Dickinson, Asher Rasmussen, Hugh Acocks, Harry Rasmussen, Mason Mundie, Judd Cuttriss.
Goal kickers: M. Dickinson (11), J. Cuttriss (3), H. Acocks, Z. Froon (2), J. Wolfe, M. Parker, J. Peters, W. James, M. Mundie.
Rochester Spreading Services One Percenter Award: Charlie Holmberg.
Canteen Awards: Luke Drust, Harrison Pangrazio, Mac Dickinson.
Under-16 Boys
In a battle of sixth verse fourth place, the Tigers were very keen to roll Kangaroo Flat in an attempt to edge themselves up the ladder and continue to aim for a spot in the finals.
The boys came out firing in the first, letting the Roos know they meant business from the get go.
Kaelan Connor showed great endeavour at the footy, and Heath Kynes unorthodox style of footy paid off, with a very casual goal early in the game.
At the first break, Rochy led by eight points.
The second quarter was a tight tussle, with the goals drying up, and both teams held to just three points apiece.
Oscar Danswan was a mobile key back man, and Reno Mountjoy enjoyed his best game of the season so far, picking up loose balls across the backline.
Cal Giffin continued to be solid in providing the last line of defence as required.
At the main break, Rochy continued to hold on by eight points.
Tensions flared in the third, as it continued to be a tight affair.
Both teams only had two scoring shots for the quarter, but Rochy made it count, with both Cale James and Kaelan Connor kicking true to just edge away from the Roos.
Charles Watson marked strongly at critical points in the game, and Jake Munro was very solid in defence, giving the Tigers the advantage they needed.
At three-quarter time, Rochy had stretched the lead to 13 points, but it was far from comfortable.
Kangaroo Flat turned the heat up in the final quarter, slotting two majors, but the Rochy boys were desperate for the win.
Corey Pangrazio was busy all over the ground, and Cale James, who has become well accustomed to shaking a tagger this season, continued to battle on.
However, it was a touch on the line by Reno Mountjoy in the dying seconds of the game that saved the day, and the Tigers were victorious by just three points.
Rochester 6.10 (46) defeated 6.7 (43)
Best Players: Cale James, Mitch Munro, Corey Pangrazio, Tom Drust, Jake Munro, Reno Mountjoy.
Goal kickers: C. James, T. Drust, M. Munro, R. Wilson, H. Kyne, K. Connor.
Rochester Football Netball Club One Percenter Award: Kaelan Connor.
Canteen Awards: Tom Drust, Heath Kyne, Cal Giffin.
Gem Hair Design Award: Nate Macfarlane.