Batting first after winning the toss, Rochy’s top order built a good base for its innings.
Three of the visitor’s top four retired not out at Katamatite Recreation Reserve, Hayley Broucek, Harriet East and Cadence Major each reaching the balls limit.
Broucek (25 not out) was eventually recalled late in the innings, but East (19) and Major (26) set a strong platform with a useful partnership.
The run rate was below what Rochester would have liked, but the side reached 72 with only two wickets down.
However, once the top order saw out its deliveries, the middle order and tail showed far less resistance.
None of the bottom seven reached double figures as the situation quickly worsened from 2-81 to 8-106.
Broucek made a brief return at the end of the innings as Rochester reached 8-110 from its 35 overs.
Alexis Iddles stood out for Katamatite, taking 2-9, while Hayley Hendrie (2-23) and Matilda Iddles (2-28) also took two wickets.
The Katamatite chase started well, the top order putting on 54 before losing its first wicket.
Matilda Iddles kept the scoring moving at about a run a ball before retiring unbeaten, while Christina Roberts’ 17 added to the strong start.
Similarly to the Rochester innings, once the early stands were broken, the dominoes started to fall.
Only the opening pair passed double figures, but Katamatite still inched its way over 100.
With only seven required, the Tigers lost 3-1, putting the game suddenly back in contention as Matilda Iddles returned to the crease to defend the last wicket.
Rochester desperately tried to break the final partnership, but Amy Bye held firm with Iddles and Katamatite got over the line.
In such a close result, Rochy will rue a significant extras disparity, the visitor giving away 18 more free runs than its opposition.
Sarah Taylor (2-5), Hayley Broucek (2-16) and Taya Munro (2-20) stood out with the ball for Rochy, but their side was just short of capturing the win.
Rochester hangs on to second place, but now has Echuca one game behind after it prevailed over Nathalia by six wickets.
Leader Moama logged a dominant 147-run win over Cooma, while Bamawm-Lockington United had the bye.
After a general bye this weekend, Rochester heads into another bye on February 1, while BLU will battle Echuca at Tongala Recreation Reserve.