Sport

Rochy’s openers guide side home in Gunbower

By Oliver Shedden

Oct 19, 2025

Rochester has maintained its perfect start to the summer, taking down Leitchville-Gunbower in round two of the McMahon Shield. Photos: Bruce Povey.

Rochester has quickly emerged as one of the teams to beat in the 2025-26 McMahon Shield after jutting out to an unbeaten start heading into round three.

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After a strong start against Tongala, Rochester cruised to a nine-wicket victory against Leitchville-Gunbower in round two at the Gunbower Recreation Reserve.

Winning the toss and electing to bat on its home deck, L-G got off to a rocky start as star batsman Tyler Jones was knocked over by Sean Williams in the third over for five.

Brandon Byrne remained 64 not out and guided his side to a nine-wicket win. Photo by Bruce Povey

Liam Keath and Jasper Hare made a good account of themselves, navigating until the 19th over before the former was caught for 24.

Hare and Jason Keath dug in and developed a nice little partnership before Rochester captain Angus Martin proved energy in the field could change a game, running both of them out 11 overs apart for 11 and 30, respectively.

Sean Williams raises the bat for his half century. Photo by Bruce Povey

Only Simon Tatt (27) provided any scoring punch the rest of the way as L-G batted out its 50 overs and finished 7-141.

With a relatively small target to chase, Rochester swallowed up the runs in 31 overs to do it in style.

After carving up L-G’s bowlers and raising the bat for his first half century of the season, Sean Williams departed for 52 after being caught by Kaleb Quinn off Simon Tatt’s bowling.

Rochester proved it may have one of the deepest batting line-ups in the competition that can consistently deliver, as Brandon Byrne also reached a half century and then some (64 not out).

L-G opener Tyler Jones bowled by Sean Williams for five. Photo by Bruce Povey

Tim Bubb at number three also assisted Byrne and added 17 runs unbeaten before his side chased down L-G’s total.

14-year-old Judd Cuttriss made his A-grade debut in round two for Rochester, bowling five overs and recording figures of 0-19.

14-year-old Judd Cuttriss playing his first A-grade game. Photo by Bruce Povey

With two wins in the bank in as many games, Rochester will come up against a frisky Echuca South side at Windrige Oval in round three, who will be brimming with confidence despite a loss in round two.