Rochester has a point to prove in McMahon Shield finals

By Josh Huntly

Mar 3, 2022

Ready to roll: Sean Williams is leading Rochester into the finals. Photo: Steve Huntley Photo by Steve Huntley

Rochester Cricket Club has been a force in Goulburn Murray Cricket.

Teams out of Rochester have won four A-grade premierships since the competition amalgamation of Campaspe and Kyabram cricket associations a decade ago.

This season has been no exception to Rochester’s consistent standing at the top of the region’s cricketing hierarchy, with the club finishing second on the McMahon Shield ladder.

Now, Sean Williams’ men face local rival Bamawm Lockington United (BLU) in this weekend’s semi-final at Windridge Oval, in what is shaping up as a classic battle of bat versus ball.

Rochester, the second-best batting line-up in the competition, faces BLU’s vaunted bowling line-up — the second-best attack in the league, and one that has conceded the least amount of runs of the remaining finalists.

After what Williams describes as a premature exit to last season’s finals series at the hands of eventual premier Kyabram, Rochester’s captain said his side was ready to take the next step.

“Energy’s really good,” Williams said.

“We went out in the semi-final last year, so we’ve got a bit to prove.

“The boys are pumped, another year older and more experienced. They all know their role now.”

Pumped up: Rochester celebrates a Richard Tibbett wicket against BLU in its last encounter. Photo: Bruce Povey Photo by BrucePoveyPhotos.com 2022

Williams has led from the front for his side, smashing 470 runs and snaring 13 wickets.

Club stalwart Dylan Cuttriss has added 353 runs of his own to form an imposing top order, while Blake Evans and Charlie Ryan have both passed 200 runs for the year.

Angus Martin has spearheaded a relentless bowling attack with 21 wickets for the season, while Fraser Cleary and Myles Wade have also enjoyed stellar years with the ball.

BLU’s Sandun Ranathunga looms as the danger man for Rochester to tackle, with more than 400 runs and 20 wickets to his name in a phenomenal season.

Williams credits the depth of Rochester’s playing stock for its brutal consistency throughout the season.

“It’s all our depth,” Williams said.

“If we have a few players out, our B-grade boys that come up just play their role and they get the job done with us.

“Those guys that come up and put pressure on our top-order bowlers, top-order batters; they get the job done most weeks.”

Rochester and Bamawm Lockington United play off in the semi-final at Windridge Oval on Saturday, March 5 and Sunday, March 6 from 12.30pm.