The Tigers have come close against some of the league’s top sides over their recent four-game losing streak, but managed to get back on track with a victory over lower-table prospect Kyabram in round 11 at Rochester Recreation Reserve.
The Bombers had the first significant lead of the game as they found themselves up 7-3, but the Tigers erased that advantage by quarter-time, going in with a 13-12 lead.
Kyabram also had the better start to the quarter in the second, returning to the lead, but Rochester again ran the Bombers down and levelled the scores at 24 by half-time.
The second half-hour played out much differently to the first.
Rochester pushed ahead early in the third and continued to press the advantage.
The Tigers would score eight consecutive goals to end the term, suddenly in full control at 42-29 at three-quarter time.
Kyabram briefly rallied, but a composed Rochy closed out the game in the fourth, 53-37.
Matilda McIntyre, on loan from Colbinabbin in the HDNL, scored 27 goals, sharing the scoring load evenly with Ava Nihill (26).
Co-coach Linda Rasmussen was pleased with her charges’ efforts on Saturday in what has been another challenging and injury-riddled season.
“The girls played a really good brand of netball on Saturday, but in all honesty, we've had a really bad year with injuries,” she said.
“Just to get a full team on the court every week has been a challenge.
“The girls are just putting in everything, and I'm really proud of the effort that they've made to be honest.”
The side currently sits at 4-7 and is only one game behind a trio of 5-6 sides and the finals places.
With seven rounds still to go, there is plenty of opportunity for the Tigers to make a run at the top six, if it can convert in close games.
“We played a really good strong game against both Bears and Tat, but we just need to come away with one of those wins,” Rasmussen said.
“It's good to say that you have good games, but you need to actually start beating those sides to be up in that top six.
“Hopefully, we can get another good win under our belt before the end of the season.”
One of those 5-6 sides above Rochy is recent title contender Echuca, who Rochester will face off with next week.
The historic rivalry between the two towns will have additional meaning with the teams so close on the ladder.
“Both teams have had injury troubles, so it'll be a really good close game, and hopefully, we can come away with four points,” Rasmussen said.
“We love Echuca, but we hate Echuca as well so that rivalry is still thick and strong.”
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