Sport

GVL ǀ Gallery ǀ Tigers thump Benalla to keep finals hopes alive

By James Kleeman

Jul 24, 2022

Unstoppable: Rochester midfield gun Shaun Atley starred in the win over Benalla on Saturday. Photo by BrucePoveyPhotos.com 2022

Rochester did what was required at Moon Oval on Saturday afternoon, delivering Benalla a hefty 18.17 (125) to 4.2 (26) defeat to keep the Tigers well within Goulburn Valley League top six contention.

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As many expected, a Shaun Atley and Chris Jansen masterclass served as a major catalyst for Rochester’s triumph, the midfield duo taking control around the contest and earning themselves spots among Rochester’s best.

Also among the Tigers’ best were Mitchell Bright, Nicholas O’Connor and Grant Fuller, whose hard running and consistent pressure proved key in Rochester dominating the contested footy.

A fast start from the hosts had them in control from the first bounce, booting a quick-fire six goals to Benalla’s one.

The Saints responded in the second quarter, managing to restrain the rampant Tigers with two goals apiece.

But it was Rochester’s game to lose from there, the hosts well and truly putting the game to bed with a second-half domination.

Playing-coach Steven Stroobants finished his day with a second consecutive four-goal haul, while young gun Mitch Cricelli got on the end of a couple and kicked three.

The young Tigers’ forward takes his goal tally to 32 this season.

Benalla defenders Jake Pallpratt and Michael Rheese fronted up to a daunting Rochester forward unit on Saturday, while Cameron Symes got among the goals in a step up from the reserves.

Rochester would have had one eye on Kings Park on Saturday, where Seymour secured a crucial win over Kyabram to see them maintain a grip on sixth spot.

But a vital Rochester win keeps them tied with the Lions on 32 points ahead of a trip to Tatura Park this week, while Seymour face a tricky Mooroopna task.