Archie Watson finds a handball target in traffic in under-14 mixed.
Under-12 Mixed
Friday night saw the Rochester Tigers make the long trip north to take on the Deniliquin Rams in unfamiliar territory, with the larger ground providing a new challenge for the boys.
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The Tigers started strongly, matching the Rams around the contest and taking a two-point lead into quarter time after an impressive opening term.
Seth Rasmussen was the lone goal kicker for Rochester, giving the Tigers plenty of early energy and confidence.
As the game wore on, Deniliquin began to make the most of the extra space, controlling territory and building scoreboard pressure while the Tigers battled hard defensively.
Despite Rochester’s effort and determination around the ground, the Rams held the Tigers scoreless after quarter time to run away with the victory.
While the result didn’t fall Rochester’s way, the boys showed plenty of resilience throughout the long road trip and continued to compete right until the final siren.
The Maccas stop on the trip home was definitely well-earned after a big night on the road.
Rochester 8 lost to Deni Rams 30
Luke Ryan Real Estate Award: Jacob Turri.
St Joseph’s Primary School Award: Jaxon Scoble.
Canteen awards: Seth Rasmussen and Fletcher Hodson.
Under-14 Mixed
River Powles closes in for the under-14 mixed.
The Rochester Under-14s faced a tough challenge against a strong South Bendigo side at the weekend, going down in a hard-fought contest.
While South Bendigo controlled much of the play, Rochester’s defence battled hard all game and worked tirelessly to slow the opposition’s scoring at different stages of the match.
Under constant pressure, Rochester’s backline showed determination and resilience, repeatedly throwing themselves into contests and refusing to give in.
In the midfield, Harrison Wilkins and Trey Hayes worked strongly alongside Seth Hunter as the trio battled hard around the contest throughout the day.
Hunter also produced one of Rochester’s highlights with three strong tackles in quick succession, earning praise from teammates and supporters for his relentless pressure and determination.
Rochester’s biggest moment on the scoreboard came in the second quarter when the side kicked its only goal of the day.
Harrison Pangrazio drove the ball toward goal before Jaxon Wolfe smartly shepherded it over the line, giving Rochester players and supporters a moment to celebrate.
South Bendigo’s strong midfield and efficient ball movement eventually proved too much, but Rochester continued to compete right to the final siren.
Rochester 1.0 (6) lost to South Bendigo 26.23 (179)
Best Players: Harrison Wilkins, Cooper Rasmussen, Trey Hayes, Walt James, Seth Hunter, Archie Watson.
Goal Kicker: Harrison Pangrazio.
Mayreef Pty Ltd Award: Max Seabrook.
Glenavon Farms Award: Lucas Mangan.
Canteen Awards: Seth Hunter and Luke Drust.
Seth Hunter disrupts the kick in under-14 mixed.
Under-15 Girls
The Rochester Under-15 Girls faced a massive challenge on the weekend, taking on second‑ top Sandhurst Navy.
The Tigers knew it would be a tough battle, but Coach Nic Duckworth urged the girls to man up, talk, and keep encouraging each other from the first bounce.
Rochester started quietly, still finding their voice, but Isabella Russell worked tirelessly in the ruck.
Her efforts to win hit‑outs and drive the ball out of the centre were a standout early.
Despite her hard work, Sandhurst’ s clean ball movement and speed saw them take a strong 12.4 (76) to 0 lead into halftime.
At the break, Duckworth reminded the girls to trust their training — build a wall across the backline, keep chasing their opponents, and support the defenders under pressure.
The Tigers never stopped trying, but Sandhurst Navy proved too slick and too fast, eventually taking the win.
Even so, Rochester’s pressure, tackling and refusal to give up were clear positives.
After the match, Duckworth praised the group.
“Hold your heads high. You never gave up, you kept chasing and tackling all game,” she said.
Rochester 0.1 (1) lost to Sandhurst Navy 21.8 (134)
Best Players: Isabella Russell, Alida Beer, Sophie Kyne, Arlia Weeks, Zyrah Weeks, Willow Brooks.
Mawsons Concrete and Quarries Award: Willow Brooks.
Darling Irrigation Award: Kaylee Saunders.
Iddles Lane Emporium Award: Chelsea Griffiths.
Under-16 Boys
Rochester fought hard against a powerful Sandhurst outfit, going down in a tough contest on Sunday.
Despite the scoreboard, Rochester never stopped applying pressure and continued to contest strongly around the ball throughout the day.
Hugh Acocks was outstanding with his hard tackling and fierce attack on the contest, setting the tone with his determination and physicality.
Reno Mountjoy provided plenty of drive with his run off the back line while also showing strong leadership across the ground as Rochester battled to stay in the game.
A highlight for the Rochester side came in the second quarter when Mitchell McInnes, returning from holidays, brought the crowd to life with an important goal that lifted the team’s energy.
Taylor Murray also stood tall in defence, working tirelessly under pressure against a strong Sandhurst forward line.
While Sandhurst proved too strong across four quarters, Rochester showed plenty of fight, commitment and willingness to compete until the final siren.
Rochester 28 lost to Sandhurst 144
Best Players: Hugh Acocks, Asher Rasmussen, Charlie Watson, Reno Mountoy, Archie Jennings, Mitch McInnes.
