Rochester rolling after big Mansfield turnaround

The first quarter was a close run affair, both sides having moments of ascendancy.

There was a point the difference in time on, but Rochester found the final major of the term and went into the break up 28-20.

Rochester would unleash a barrage on the Mansfield goal in the second quarter leaving the Eagles struggling to keep touch.

The Tigers logged the first 12 scoring shots of the term, including five goals, to break the game open, going up 45 points.

Mansfield would sneak through a couple of minor scores, but Rochester added a sixth major before the main break, and the score was 71-24 at the half.

Mansfield had a response in the third, kicking four goals to one to stay within reach at five goals down, but Rochester would confidently close out the game 14.19 (103) to 9.15 (69).

The weight of scoring shots for Rochester is an encouraging sign, particularly against quality opposition, as the Tigers are typically known more for their stifling defence than their enterprising attack.

All sorts of Tigers got on the scoresheet as the visitors had 10 different scorers, led by Ryley Ferguson, Hugh Hamilton, Andy Henderson and Mitchell Trewhella all with two.

Rochester’s recent surge has put it right back in the finals mix, now among a group of four 6-6 sides spanning fifth to eighth.

The Tigers, in seventh by 0.03 percentage points, can move into the top six should they win another grand final rematch with Kyabram, the Bombers also one of those four.

Rochy will have the advantage of home ground, returning to Moon Oval for the clash on Saturday.