Despite a slight hiccup against Echuca it’s been a strong start for Rochester, who heads into the break with a 3-1 record.
The Tigers finalised yet another A-grade walloping on Saturday, this time against Leitchville-Gunbower in their two-day clash at Windridge Oval.
After setting L-G a daunting 291 runs to track down on day two, Rochester’s bowlers all turned up the heat to bundle out the visitors for 87 and claim another percentage-boosting win.
Opening bowling pair Angus Martin and Corey Jacobs kept a tight lid on the scoring, with Jacobs claiming the early wicket of Leitchville-Gunbower opener Liam Keath in the third over to get the Tigers under way.
Martin was next to strike with the wicket of Billy Hawken, but L-G skipper Tyler Jones and Mitch McEwen carried their side to drinks, with 2-21 on the board after 20 overs.
With the pressure mounting on the visitors, Sean Williams backed up his 84 runs the week before with the wicket of McEwen in the 25th over.
One over later, Williams claimed the prized wicket of Jones and finished his 11-over spell with figures of 2-9.
With Jones dismissed, the L-G batting line-up continued to lose consistent wickets, courtesy of spinner Fraser Cleary who chimed in with 3-28, while Kyle Waters’ six-over spell yielded 2-1.
The 204-run victory is their second over the 200-run margin this season, after doing the same against Echuca South in round four.
Rochester captain Williams was pleased to head into the break at the top of the ladder with all cylinders firing.
“Everyone contributed to the wickets and got the job done,” Williams said.
“Angus Martin early on was very good, locking down one end.
“I thought the younger boys did very well with the ball; it was a good all-round performance.
“We’re just taking it one week at a time, just playing some good cricket and enjoying it at the same time.
“The boys are gelling together nicely, and we know each other’s game quite well after playing a few years together now.
“It’s good to go to the break like this.”
When Rochester do resume its season, it will do so at Windridge Oval against Cooma, returning to the one-day format.
Leitchville-Gunbower sits second-last with a record of one win and two losses but will have a chance to rebound against Echuca in their return.
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