BY HIS own admission, Rochester football coach James Flaherty says his side’s defensive efforts have been well below par in 2019.
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But that all changed on Saturday as the Tigers held on for a thrilling three-point victory over reigning Goulburn Valley League premier Shepparton.
When the Bears came racing home with the final three goals of the game, Rochester’s defenders stood strong when in previous weeks they would have been overrun.
The performance in the game’s tense final minutes, complemented the Tiger’s ability to hold Shepparton to just one goal in the second and third quarters.
‘‘A good side is never going to stop coming,’’ Flaherty said.
‘‘It was pleasing to see one of our weaknesses become a strength in a close game.
‘‘We hope to see it only grow from here.’’
As is often the case in a close game, contested ball became vital in the final term.
Led by Mitch Bright and Nathan McCarty, the Tigers got on top in the middle of the ground in the dying stages to slow the Shepparton storm.
‘‘They both refused to allow the ball to leave their area,’’ Flaherty explained.
‘‘Mitch and Nathan’s experience stood out against a quality football team.’’
Up forward, Liam Bartels made the most of his opportunities kicking four of Rochester’s seven goals — all of which came in the second and third terms as the Tigers pulled away.
‘‘Liam gave us a target for the entire game,’’ Flaherty said.
‘‘His goals were just a reward for his effort.’’
It was also a special day for young duo Callum Doyle and Tyler Walsh who played their first senior games for the club.
Next up for the Tigers is a home clash against Mooroopna on Saturday, with Flaherty expecting a tough challenge.
‘‘They’ve been up and down like ourselves so it’s a hard game to read,’’ he said.
‘‘But we have to keep winning if we want to stay in finals contention.’’
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