Tigers relent to Bombers barrage

Rochy went into the game in third with only one previous defeat, level on points with second-placed Echuca.

Although the final scoreline, a 62 point win by Kyabram, would indicate a one-sided fixture, during the first half it looked anyone’s game.

Rochy held the lead for much of the first term, kicking two goals to Ky’s one in a low-scoring period to find itself ahead 14-7 at the break.

The Bombers strung together the first three majors of the second to gain the ascendancy, but the Tigers kicked three of the remaining five before half-time to go into the sheds just four points down.

Unfortunately, Rochy couldn’t maintain its level after the break.

The third quarter was one of missed opportunities as the Tigers kicked just 1.3 while the Bombers extended their lead, kicking 3.2.

The fourth saw the game swing wholly in the Bombers’ favour and Kyabram sealed the win with eight unanswered goals in the final term, getting home 17.5 (107) to 6.9 (45).

It wasn’t the result Rochester was looking for, but should the Tigers replicate their first-half effort over four quarters, a finals encounter between the sides looks an intriguing prospect.

Hugh Hamilton was the only Tiger to find the goals on multiple occasions, kicking three.

Kyabram’s Riley Ironside launched a five-goal assault, while Tom Holman reinforced the offensive with three.

The Tigers follow-up next week with a second straight blockbuster encounter when they take on historic foe and top-three rival Echuca at Victoria Park.

“Echuca is definitely a huge rivalry for us and every time we play it’s high pressure, high intensity,” Rochester coach Ash Watson said.

“It doesn't really matter where we are on the ladder, it’s always a hard-fought game and we expect nothing less this year.

“They’ve been the benchmark for a long time, so we're hoping to take a scalp in a couple of weeks as well.”

Rochester was the only side to defeat Echuca in 2024, claiming a 13-point win in round five.