Not only was the match a showdown between the two fierce rivals, but it was also the seventh annual Archie Walker Round to celebrate and acknowledge Indigenous culture and Echuca’s sponsors day.
Both clubs and supporters gathered for a smoking ceremony and speeches from Andrew Walker and Uncle Col Walker before the day’s play in what was an emotional occasion.
The battle between the two heavyweights began as expected, with both sides trading blows early, Rochester drew first blood through Kyle Waters with Echuca replying quickly via recently returned Tighe O’Brien.
While the Murray Bombers levelled out their chances in the first quarter (2.2) the Tigers were able to capitalise (3.1) to take a slim five-point lead at quarter-time.
However, Rochester managed to again create some distance from the host in the second period as the visitor piled on 6.3 and held the host to 2.1 to hold a startling 31-point advantage at the major break.
The third term proved the be a dog fight with few chances to change the scoreboard, Hugh Byrne kicked Echuca’s only major during this time, while the Tigers had to settle for 1.1.
Despite marginally narrowing the gap to 29 points heading into the fourth quarter, Echuca would need to flex some of its premiership muscle to salvage the game.
Unfortunatley, it wasn’t up to the task.
Yet, the final frame proved to be another tight affair, but goals to Byrne and Makai Cronin weren’t enough to get the Murray Bombers over the line.
Meanwhile, the Tigers submitted a tidy 3.3 down the stretch, remaining composed to snag their most impressive victory of the season, thanks in large part to the efforts of Morrison Medal favourite Mitch Trewhella and brothers Wil and Hugh Hamilton.
The 7.10 (52) to 13.8 (86) loss is Echuca’s second of the season, with both defeats coming at the hands of top sides.
Echuca captain Mitchell Wales was named best-on-ground for his side with the experienced core of Samuel Reid, Tighe O’Brien, Curtis Townrow and Hugh Byrne rounding out the list.
The Murray Bombers will have a chance to get back on the horse when it hosts eighth-placed Euroa in round 13.
The Game
Scores
Echuca: 2.2, 4.3, 5.6, 7.10 (52)
Rochester: 3.1, 9.4, 10.5, 13.8 (86)
Goals
Echuca: Hugh Byrne 2, Makai Cronin, Samuel Edgar, Lachlan Hogan, Tighe O’Brien, Jackson Stewart
Rochester: Hugh Hamilton 4, Wil Hamilton 3, Kyle Waters 2, Matt Kellett, James McPhee, Mitchell Trewhella, Hunter Wileman
Best
Echuca: Mitchell Wales, Samuel Reid, Tighe O’Brien, Curtis Townrow, Hugh Byrne
Rochester: Mitchell Trewhella, Drew Lloyd, Bailey Wileman, Hamish Hooppell, Wil Hamilton
