Sport

Rochester gives up half-time lead in final rematch

By Matthew Kappos

Apr 6, 2026

Kaine Herbert wraps up Mitch Bright in Rochester’s opening round clash with Kyabram. The Tigers led at half-time, but were chased down in the grand final rematch. Photos: Bruce Povey

For the first hour it looked as if Rochester had cracked the code of the 2025 premier, but Kyabram returned to form after half-time to deny the Tigers grand final revenge on Good Friday.

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At Kyabram Recreation Reserve, round one brought together the two Goulburn Valley League senior grand finalists for a blockbuster opening day clash.

The Bombers started the better in the contest, kicking the first two goals of the match to kick out to a 15-0 advantage, but Rochester found its feet late in the quarter and, after getting back within one, went into the first break down five points.

The Tigers rounded into form in the second, quickly taking the lead and kicking three goals to one to go in with their paws in front 6.9 (45) to 5.5 (35).

The side’s traded majors coming out of the break, but it was Ky that turned on the afterburners late in a scrappy third period, sending three straight through the sticks to reclaim the advantage by eight.

The Bombers pushed on in the final term, adding four goals to one to run away 13.12 (90) to 8.14 (62) victors.

Morrison Medal threat Mitch Trewhella was again a midfield maestro for Rochy. Photo by BrucePoveyPhotos.com 2022

Charlie Barnett and Anthony Depasquale were the goal-kicking leaders for Ky, booting three each, while for Rochester, recruit Felix Fogarty and Darby Wileman were the most productive with two.

The Tigers’ engine room was given the nod as their best-on-ground, Hamish Hooppell and Mitch Trewhella ranking highly.

Ky faces its first away trip of the year on Saturday, visiting Shepparton Swans, who also started their year with a win.

Rochester has the most difficult schedule in the league over the opening month, facing each of its colleagues in last year’s top four in the first three rounds.

That continues with a home stand against Mansfield on Saturday, the Eagles currently on top of the ladder after a comprehensive performance over Euroa in the opening round.