Sport

Resilient Tigers overcome Swans

By Alexander Dabb

Jul 2, 2023

Strong hands: Rochester's Dylan Gordon takes a strong mark during his best-on-ground performance. Photo: Bruce Povey. Photo by Bruce Povey

Rochester showed the rest of the competition its determination at the weekend, refusing to go down to the Shepparton Swans.

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Keen to make amends for its loss to Shepparton United the last time it took to the field, a game it probably deserved to win, the Tigers leapt out of the blocks with a three goal to two first term to lead by four points at the first break.

While a scoreless second quarter may have been catastrophic in some other instances, the Tigers restricted the Swans to just seven points, limiting the damage and going into the rooms at half-time just three points behind.

When the sides took to the field for the second half, they more than made up for the dour second term, kicking 11.12 between them in a scoring showdown, but it was the Swans that got the better of the home side, heading into the final term with a seven-point lead.

Among the best: Joe Atley recorded yet another fine performance in what has been a stellar year for the on-baller. Photo: Bruce Povey. Photo by Bruce Povey

It was a resilient Rochester that prevailed in the end, as they slotted four goals to one in the last quarter in a stirring come from behind victory.

Sean Williams did the damage on the scoreboard for the Tigers, slotting four majors, while Mitch Cricelli and Nick O’Connor also contributed with three and two each respectively.

Dylan Gordon was best-on-ground for the home side, while Joe Atley continued his fine season with another prolific performance.

The win, Rochy’s second for the season, marks the end of a five-game losing streak for the Tigers, who jump up a spot to 10th on the Goulburn Valley League ladder.

A trip out to Kyabram Recreation Reserve awaits the Tigers next week, with the Bombers (10-1) in hot form and sitting second on the ladder, level on wins with both Echuca and Seymour.