Rochy attack caught Lion down in middle quarters

After Seymour opened the scoring, Felix Fogarty and Hugh Hamilton each kicked two to give Rochester the early advantage 24-8.

However, Seymour would make an effective recovery, kicking four of five goals late in the term to sneak ahead by two at the first changeover.

After both sides kicked five in the opening term, the second period was a stark contrast, with only one shot each finding the target.

Seymour had the better of the field position, adding six minor scores to extend its lead, while the Tigers had to settle for one straight.

The Lions were even more effective defensively after the half-time break, holding Rochy to a single behind in the third term and, while Seymour’s 3.5 didn’t light up the scoreboard, it was enough to put the lead at five goals with a quarter to play.

Rochester’s attack started to click back into gear in the final term, but a 22-14 quarter wasn’t enough to prevent Seymour’s victory 11.16 (82) to 9.6 (60).

While overall team production was patchy, Hamilton proved his value once again with five of Rochy’s nine majors.

While their overall offence looks comparable thanks to some big wins over lower-table sides, the Tigers have struggled to find the goal against the league’s better opposition.

Rochester averages 54.5 points in its six losses, while putting up 122 a game in its three victories.

With half the season gone, the Tigers have a lot of work to do in their remaining nine games in order to make finals and a more consistent route to goal will be key to their future fortunes.

This weekend’s opponent Mooroopna shapes as a comparable opponent statistically and, with the Cats just ahead of the Tigers, in eighth at 4-5, the contest at Moon Oval is approaching must-win status for Rochy.

Mooroopna is in a purple patch of form right now, having scored consecutive wins over Seymour and Kyabram in the past fortnight.