Shepparton got the early jump, but to Rochy’s credit the Tigers didn’t lose their cool and fought back into the game after a 2-7 start.
Parity was restored late in the quarter and the Bears carried a two-goal lead into the first break.
The second period brought more of the same, as Shepparton grew the lead to seven before once again being pegged back, the Tigers trailing by four at half-time.
It was anyone’s to win through 40 minutes, the margin only three, before Shepparton put the foot down to end the third term, scoring nine of the last 10 goals to finally break Rochester’s resistance.
The fourth saw the Bears build further on their lead, resulting in a final scoreline of 60-42 in the champions’ favour.
Rochester has faced a challenging run of matches over the past month, battling four sides currently in the finals picture and, though the Tigers haven’t looked out of place in any of those contests, the locals have been unable to maintain their level over the four quarters.
The difficult run continues this weekend as unbeaten leader Euroa will host Rochy at Euroa Memorial Oval.
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