Relentless pressure to every Shepparton United pass and strong ball movement in attack saw them jump out to an early lead and set the tone for the day.
Annie Hughes was unstoppable in goals, finding range from anywhere in the ring and Linda Rasmussen was massive in defence.
She and Eliza Williams made sure every ball coming into the United attacking end was strongly contested, resulting in plenty of opportunities for Sahra Brooks to showcase her supreme athleticism and pace in driving the ball into Rochester’s goaling circle.
When combined with Rachel Whipp’s impeccable timing and pin-point accurate passes, it ensured that the scoreboard kept ticking over to Rochester’s advantage. Any goals that went astray by the United shooters were cleaned up with Anna Oliver consistently pulling in big rebounds. Rochester ended the first quarter with a healthy eight-goal lead.
The Rochester girls managed to maintain their intensity in the second quarter and were buoyed by the return of star, Jaime Dingwall, in goal keeper after an extended absence because of an ankle injury earlier in the season.
Annie Hughes continued her shooting masterclass as Lil Ward worked overtime to keep the ball coming her way.
The third quarter saw some changes made, with young guns Ava Cottam and Poppy Palmer injected into the game.
Ava Cottam ran hard, creating many turnovers, while Poppy Palmer provided some physicality in the Rochester defensive ring.
The B-Grade team flexed their muscles in the last quarter, with the finals experience of Linda Rasmussen and Rachel Whipp ensuring that the ball flowed to Annie Hughes and Sahra Brooks who converted their opportunities.
A clinical performance by the Rochester team who will welcome back their freakish defender, Maddy Holt, next weekend who missed this week’s game because of illness.
A spot in the grand final is on the line next weekend for the team as they come up against Seymour who they beat by two goals during the home-and-away season.
Rochester 61 defeated Shepparton United 35. Best players: Annie Hughes, Rachel Whipp and Linda Rasmussen.
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