Under-12 girls
The game started with an inspirational rev up speech from captain Ava Rasmussen, who reminded the girls to implement what they worked on at training during the week.
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It was clear from the first quarter the girls were determined to keep to the team’s game plan.
Frankie and Ella fought hard in the centre, communicating well at the stoppages and winning a majority of the clearances.
Macca was a general down back, communicating and helping the team set up a defensive press, making it impossible for the opposition to score.
In the forward line there were many contributors helping to keep structure and ensure there were lots of opportunities to score.
Sophie, Talisa and Annemarie benefited on the scoreboard thanks to the hard work of the forwards.
Ava and Ellie worked tirelessly to keep the ball moving forward and kicking the ball on the run, just like we had practiced at training.
Rochester 13.11 (89) d Strathfieldsaye 0.0 (0)
Mundie Constructions Award: Ellie Riordan.
Rochester Sports Museum Award: Mackenzie Harvey.
The Café Rochester Award: Talisa Sinclair.
Under-12 mixed
Rochester Tigers made a winning return from the two-week school holiday break on Sunday morning, defeating Kyabram Bombers White by 23 points at Windridge Oval.
The rain held off, although conditions were still cold and slippery under foot.
After losing the toss, Rochester found themselves in an arm wrestle early, with both sides kicking three goals apiece in an entertaining opening quarter.
Rochester then took control with four second-quarter goals.
Kyabram fought hard after the break, but managed only seven behinds in the third term as the Tigers held firm.
Riley Nichol dominated in the ruck and capped off an outstanding game with two goals, while Jerome Murray also booted two majors and impressed with several strong overhead marks.
Other goals came from Orly Cuttriss, Harry Whipp, Seth Rasmussen and Archie Keating.
The Tigers ran out deserved 23-point winners, with another strong team performance setting the tone for the run home of the season.
Rochester 10.2 (62) d Kyabram Bombers White 5.9 (39)
Luke Ryan Real Estate Award: Riley Nichol.
St Joseph’s Primary School Award: Harry Whipp.
Canteen awards: Jerome Murray and Jackson Syers.
Under-14 mixed
Rochester under-14s showed plenty of determination despite going down to Golden Square, producing a spirited performance that never lacked effort from the opening bounce to the final siren.
The Tigers competed fiercely throughout the contest, taking the game on with strong tackling and relentless pressure around the ball.
Although Golden Square proved difficult to contain, Rochester continued to work hard in every contest and refused to let the game slip without a fight.
The centre combination of Harrison Pangrazio, Trey Hayes and Maddox Parker was impressive throughout the afternoon, working tirelessly around the stoppages and providing plenty of drive for the Tigers.
Their willingness to attack the contest and create opportunities ensured Rochester remained competitive against a quality opposition.
Up forward, Harrison Wilkins led the way on the scoreboard with an impressive three-goal haul, providing Rochester with plenty of excitement whenever the ball entered the attacking 50.
Cooper Rasmussen also hit the scoreboard with a well-earned major.
The backline combination of Archie Watson, Jaxon Wolfe and Aydin Betts continued to be a standout for the Tigers, working seamlessly together to repel countless Golden Square attacks.
Luke Drust and Nash Riordan also held their own in defence, making several important contests and helping limit Golden Square's scoring opportunities.
Together, the defensive unit showed plenty of resilience under sustained pressure.
Patrick O'Sullivan made a welcome return from holidays and quickly settled back into the side, holding his own in a number of strong contests.
His willingness to compete and attack the ball was a pleasing sign as he worked his way back into the team.
While the result wasn't the one Rochester was chasing; the commitment, teamwork and determination shown by the entire playing group were clear positives to take from the afternoon.
Rochester 4.4 (28) lost to Golden Square 10.8 (68)
Best: Maddox Parker, Trey Hayes, Archie Watson, Walt James, Cooper Rasmussen, Harrison Wilkins.
Goals: Harrison Wilkins 3, Cooper Rasmussen.
Mayreef Pty Ltd Award: Maddox Parker.
Glenavon Farms Award: Walt James.
Canteen Awards: Patrick O’Sullivan, Archie Watson.
Under-16 boys
The Rochester under-16s produced a determined and courageous performance on the weekend, going down to Kangaroo Flat by just six points in difficult wet and muddy conditions.
With the slippery ball making clean possession difficult, both sides were forced to work hard for every contest.
Rochester never took a backward step, matching Kangaroo Flat's intensity throughout the game and fighting right to the final siren.
Up forward, Ollie Seamer provided a strong focal point in attack.
His marking strength and ability to compete in the challenging conditions gave Rochester a reliable target, finishing with two valuable goals to keep his side within striking distance.
The Tigers' midfield worked tirelessly all day, with Asher Rasmussen, Mason Mundie, Hugh Acocks, Harry Rasmussen, Reno Mountjoy, and Makore Dickinson rotating through the engine room.
Their relentless work rate, fierce tackling, and willingness to put their bodies on the line ensured Rochester remained competitive in every quarter despite the heavy conditions.
In defence, Louie Frawley stood tall with a gritty performance.
His hard tackling, persistence, and refusal to give his opponent any easy possessions highlighted his commitment to the team.
Preston Kath also impressed with his determined effort, tackling hard and continuing to compete strongly all game, never giving up despite the tough conditions.
Louie will be greatly missed over the coming weeks as he heads away on a school experience, and everyone at the club wishes him all the best for the opportunity.
While the result didn't fall Rochester's way, there was plenty to admire about the team's resilience and effort.
To fall just six points short in testing conditions showed the group's character, with every player contributing to a performance the club can be proud of as they continue to build throughout the season.
Rochester 6.5 (41) lost to Kangaroo Flat 7.5 (47)
Best: Asher Rasmussen, Mason Mundie, Reno Mountjoy, Harry Rasmussen, Ollie Seamer, Hugh Acocks.
Goals: Ollie Seamer, Asher Rasmussen (2), Mason Mundie, Makore Dickinson.
Rochester Football Netball Club Awards: Louis Frawley and Reno Mountjoy.
Glenavon Farms Award: Ollie Seamer.
Canteen Award: Harry Rasmussen.