The opening quarter saw both sides toiling, with strong defence making scoring difficult at both ends.
The Saints took a narrow, one-goal lead at quarter time, but let the Tigers sneak back in the second period, levelling out the scores 14-14 at the major break.
Rochy shone in the third term, well and truly overtaking Benalla, piling on 15 goals while holding the hosts to just five.
Despite a strong surge by the Saints down the stretch, the home side adding 12 goals in the fourth quarter, it wasn’t enough to stop the Tigers, who did just enough, with eight goals to keep Benalla at bay.
While the six-goal victory has brought Rochester’s season back to an even 3-3 record, almost losing to a winless side may sound alarm bells for the Tigers.
The final score was Rochester 37 to Benalla 31.
Tigers goal shooter Tia Webb was all class in the contest with 25 goals to her name, while goal attack Ava Nihill chipped in with 10 of her own.
Young gun Marli Cottam made her debut in A-grade against the Saints, playing in goal attack and wing attack.
Next round is a significant match for Rochester, as the team will return home to celebrate its Ladies Day against Tatura.
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