Not only was the match a showdown between the two fierce rivals, but it was also Echuca’s seventh annual Archie Walker round to celebrate and acknowledge Indigenous culture.
Both clubs and supporters gathered for a smoking ceremony and speeches from Andrew Walker and Uncle Col Walker before the day’s play in what was an emotional occasion.
The battle between the two heavyweights began as expected, with both sides trading blows early. Rochester drew first blood through Kyle Waters with Echuca replying quickly via recently returned Tighe O’Brien.
While the Murray Bombers levelled out their chances in the first quarter (2.2), the Tigers were able to capitalise (3.1) to take a slim five-point lead at quarter-time.
However, Rochester managed to again create some distance from the host in the second quarter as the visitor piled on 6.3 and held the host to 2.1 to hold a 31-point advantage at the major break.
The third term proved to be a dog fight with few chances to change the scoreboard. Hugh Byrne kicked Echuca’s only major during this time, while the Tigers had to settle for 1.1.
The gap narrowed slightly after a low-scoring third term as Echuca chipped two off the lead
The Tigers submitted a tidy 3.3 down the stretch, remaining composed to snag their most impressive victory of the season, 13.8 (86) to 7.10 (52), thanks in large part to the efforts of Morrison Medal favourite Mitch Trewhella and brothers Wil and Hugh Hamilton.
Coach Ash Watson was happy with his squad’s performance and the pressure his men put on the defending champion.
“We went out and wanted to do a couple of things well,” he said.
“We know they won the last few flags and are very strong around the ball, so we wanted to try and match them in the contested ball and then try and put some pressure on back the other way as well.
“I thought we did that pretty well on Saturday.”
The win draws Rochester level on competition points with the Murray Bombers, Echuca holding on to second by just 2.68 per cent.
The Tigers’ next game will be against Mooroopna at Moon Oval on Saturday.
The Cats have had a down year this campaign but pushed Rochy to within seven in the sides’ earlier meeting in round two.
“We did struggle a bit last time we played them over there,” Watson said.
“They put a lot of pressure on us and we turned the ball over at times.
“We'll be looking just to take on that form from the weekend and we didn’t think we were too bad the week before against Ky until the last quarter.
“We think we’ve been in reasonable form and if we can apply pressure and use the ball up here like on the weekend, then we’ll be in the hunt.”
The Game
Scores
Rochester: 3.1, 9.4, 10.5, 13.8 (86)
Echuca: 2.2, 4.3, 5.6, 7.10 (52)
Goals
Rochester: Hugh Hamilton 4, Wil Hamilton 3, Kyle Waters 2, Matt Kellett, James McPhee, Mitchell Trewhella, Hunter Wileman
Echuca: Hugh Byrne 2, Makai Cronin, Samuel Edgar, Lachlan Hogan, Tighe O’Brien, Jackson Stewart
Best
Rochester: Mitchell Trewhella, Drew Lloyd, Bailey Wileman, Hamish Hooppell, Wil Hamilton
Echuca: Mitchell Wales, Samuel Reid, Tighe O’Brien, Curtis Townrow, Hugh Byrne
