The A-grade netball contest between Rochester and Echuca was an important one, not only because of the history of the two clubs, but because both sides were desperate for a win to reinvigorate their Goulburn Valley League season.
Both sides have struggled with player absences throughout 2025, although the Tigers were able to welcome back key goal shooter Tia Webb for the weekend’s contest.
The first quarter at Victoria Park was a mostly back and forth affair.
Echuca snatched the early advantage to lead 6-1, but Rochester clawed its way back to level the game at 8-all 10 minutes in.
However, the Murray Bombers took control again over the final five minutes of the quarter, making eight of the last nine scores to suddenly find themselves up by seven at the first break.
That lead quickly grew to nine after the break, and although Rochy was able to stem the bleeding somewhat, Echuca continued to accumulate scores before half-time and went into the main break 10 goals to the good.
The Tigers weren’t far off their rivals in the third, but again saw the game slip slightly further out of their grasp as the Murray Bombers increased their edge to 12.
With an unlikely comeback required, Rochester couldn’t hold its level, and the floodgates opened in the final term as Echuca put on two significant stretches of consecutive scores.
The final result was 63-39 in the Murray Bombers’ favour.
Webb shouldered the scoring load for Rochy on her return, making 31 of the Tigers’ goals, while supporting cast Payton Tiller and Marli Cottam scored four each.
Echuca mostly played through Bianca Willis, who drained 42 goals, while coach Belinda Lees added 19.
The result makes the road a little harder for Rochester as its hopes to surge towards finals over the last third of the season.
The Tigers are two games back from sixth spot, not an insurmountable deficit with six games still to play.
Rochester will host fourth-placed Mooroopna next week before a week off as the league holds a split round 13.