Tigers remain winless after Bear attack

By Josh Huntly

Apr 30, 2023

Big leap: Rochester skipper Nathan McCarty flies but the Tigers fall in an 11-point loss to Shepparton Bears. Photo: Bruce Povey Photo by Bruce Povey

Rochester has slumped to its fourth loss of the season, falling over in an arm wrestle to Shepparton Bears in the clash of the winless sides at Deakin Reserve.

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Both clubs brought the intensity in the first quarter, booting four goals straight each to get the contest under way in scintillating fashion.

The Bears took a five-point lead into half-time, expanding it to eight at three-quarter time, although the Tigers were still well within striking distance.

Rochester could only muster five behinds in the last quarter to Shepparton’s 1.2, with the Bears breaking their duck 10.8 (68) to 8.9 (57).

Another Joe Atley showcase went in vain as Xavier Stevenson, Adam De Cicco and Connor Fleming impressed on the 50th anniversary celebration of the club’s 1972-73 premierships.

Reid Gordon, Kyle Waters and Darby Wileman all managed two majors for Rochester as Hamish Hooppell and Bailey Wileman lifted in the pressure cooker of the Bear den.

The Tigers currently sit 11th and will be intent on breaking their 2023 drought against Tatura at Moon Oval this Saturday.