Rochy’s rise continues in the GVL

After a scrappy first period, Rochester broke away, kicking the first three goals of the contest, but Mooroopna answered with two straight to close out the term down by only seven points.

The Tigers extended their lead in the second quarter, kicking for goals to the Cats’ two to take a handy 20-point advantage into the major break.

Mooroopna went with Rochester in a high-scoring third term with both sides kicking five goals, the margin extended slightly to 22 with a quarter to play.

But Rochester stamped its signature on the match in the final quarter, blowing the Cats away with a 6.3 term to Mooroopna’s paltry 0.5, securing the 56-point win.

Sean Williams’ five goals led the victorious Tigers, Mitch Cricelli added three and Bailey McGee and Mitchell Trewhella each kicked two goals.

Bailey Boyak, Andy Henderson, Matt Kellet, Adam McPhee, Nicholas O’Connor and Dillion Williams each contributed a goal to Rochy’s total.

Trewhella earned best-on-ground honours for Rochy after collecting 34 disposals, 15 of which were contested, as well as getting the ball into the forward 50 six times, making 10 clearances and 12 tackles.

McPhee, Dillon and Sean Williams and Hamish Hoopell were also named among the best in a good outing for the Tigers.

As the strong performances continue to rack up, it’s becoming clearer that Rochester’s form in the GVL this season is no fluke.

Wins over defending premier Echuca and upper table side Mooroopna, as well as the narrow loss suffered to Kyabram, are all performances worthy of a finals side.

At 4-2, and with a healthy 134.08 percentage, the Tigers find themselves in third place on the ladder, part of a group of four teams on 16 points.

One of those sides is Euroa, who Rochester will host next week in what promising to be another enticing clash.

A win in that fixture could further cement the Tigers’ contender status in 2024.