Rochester falls to classy Euroa

By Alexander Dabb

Jun 11, 2023

Head over the ball: Rochester's Bailey Wileman unloads a kick under pressure. Photo: Bruce Povey Photo by Bruce Povey

A gallant Rochester side has fallen to Euroa by 50 points at Moon Oval, going down 7.7 (49) to 14.15 (99).

It was a promising start for the home side, who trailed by just nine points at quarter-time, before the Magpies opened the margin to 17 points at the main break in what was a low-scoring affair to that point.

The resilient Tigers came out of the rooms and showed they will never lie down, outscoring the visitors by six points in the third term to reel the margin back in to within two straight kicks as the sides swapped ends for the final time.

It was the final quarter that undid Rochy, as Euroa showed the class that took it to a grand final last year and within nine points of Echuca last week, piling on 7.6 to the Tigers’ 1.3, blowing the margin out to a half-century at the final siren.

Quick hands: Joe Atley has been a shining light for Rochester this season, and was best on for the Tigers yet again against Euroa. Photo: Bruce Povey Photo by Bruce Povey

It was all the familiar faces for Rochester once again, with Joe Atley notching yet another best-on-ground performance, also impacting on the scoreboard with a goal.

Mitch Cricelli continued his impressive run of form, with the young ruckman slotting a major while earning himself a spot in the best, while Bailey Wileman, Reid Gordon and Blake Evans rounded out the most influential for Rochy.

Sean Williams was the Tigers’ only multiple goal-kicker with two, while Dylan Cuttriss, Nick O’Connor and Declan Pearse all added one each.

Rochester will venture to Deakin Reserve next week to take on Shepparton United, which presents an opportunity for the Tigers to put win number two on the board.

The Demons are the only side below Rochester on the ladder, and the Tigers will fancy their chances away from home.