Tigers earn their vengeance over Bears

Since a humbling loss to Echuca by nearly 100 points in that decider, the Shepparton Bears haven’t been as deadly as they were in 2024, but still provided a stern test for Rochester at Moon Oval.

It didn’t always look as if that would be the case, as the first half belonged to the Tigers.

Aside from Shepparton sneaking through a point to open the scoring, the host had all the play over the first half hour.

Rochy kicked four unanswered goals and entered the first interval ahead 25-1.

A blowout looked to be on the cards as the Tigers kicked the first four majors of the second quarter to lead 8.3 (51) to 0.2 (2) midway through the period.

However, the tide began to turn late in the half, and Shepparton found its first goals of the game, adding 15 straight points heading into the sheds.

The third quarter also belonged to the Bears although, with conditions worsening, neither side was able to muster much attack.

Shepparton kicked two more goals to get back within 20, before Rochy ended its drought to kick the last of the term.

The final quarter was a slog, again trending slightly in Shepparton’s favour, but it never looked like the Bears would muster the 20 points needed to run down the Tigers.

Kyle Waters had his second strong goal-kicking effort of the year, slotting three majors to top the Tigers’ chart, while Wil Hamilton was his only teammate to strike more than once.

For Shepparton, Luke Smith’s two was the best the Bears could muster, with four individual contributors providing their remaining majors.

Rochester retains second spot on the ladder, with Shepparton Swans the only side to get by the Tigers this campaign.

The Swans dropped points this week, settling into fourth, with Kyabram (9-0), Rochester (8-1) and Echuca (8-1) holding court as the top three.

Seymour (5-4), which made its way into the top six courtesy of Rochester’s win over the Bears, will now host the Tigers next Saturday at Kings Park.