Swans glide past Tigers

By Matthew Kappos

May 5, 2025

Tia Webb was solid in the goal circle on her return to action for Rochester. Photo: Liam Nash.

Rochester has suffered a heavy defeat to Shepparton Swans in round five Goulburn Valley League netball action.

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Rochester entered the contest at Princess Park as the higher-placed side, but the Swans set about their business quickly, out to prove they were better than their 1-3 start indicated.

An early Shepparton run saw Rochester in an early 10-2 hole, and although it was more competitive through the remainder of the first, the Tigers still trailed 17-9 at the first break.

The Swans stretched the lead into the teens in the second but a late flurry of goals from Tia Webb sent Rochy into the main break down 12.

Things didn’t improve for Rochester in the second half, with Shepparton continuing to extend its lead over the remaining quarters to win 68-38.

Returning to the side, Webb shouldered the scoring load for Rochy, scoring 30 of her side’s goals, while Ava Nihill accounted for the other eight.

Four players popped up as goalers for the Swans, led by Natasha Atkinson-Brown with 39 goals.

Now 2-3, Rochester has the opportunity to regroup against the league’s bottom side as it visits Benalla next Saturday.