Hunting down a target of 85 set by Echuca, Rochy was in a desperate situation at 9-54, but the pairing of Cadence Major and Alyssa Braithwaite almost salvaged the season.
The two pushed the total to 83, just two runs shy of tying the game before Lucinda McMaster-Sharrock finally found a way through Braithwaite’s defences, ending the innings and the Rochester season.
Major would finish an impressive 39 not out, while Braithwaite added 16, the duo coming agonisingly close to saving the game.
Earlier, Echuca batted first, but was mostly well corralled by the Rochester bowling attack.
Jessica Cox launched an attacking salvo of 33 from as many balls, hitting seven boundaries in the process, while Amy Cooper was the only other batter to hit double figures, posting 14.
Keeley Major found consistent wickets, taking 3-14, while Sarah Taylor (2-4) and Taya Munro (2-6) both had good spells.
Cadence Major got the chase off to a decent start from number three, but things fell apart after she retired, before her return to pair with Braithwaite got Rochester within striking distance.
Echuca’s bowlers were led for the second week in a row by Gillian Noelker, who backed up her five wickets last weekend with 4-11.
Sophie Good grabbed 3-15.
The result propels Echuca into a grand final showdown with cross-river rival and minor premier Moama, which defeated Katamatite by 103 runs in the other semi-final.
The decider will be held at Moama Recreation Reserve from 10am on Sunday.
The Game
Echcua 85 (Jessica Cox 33, Amy Cooper 14, Keeley Major 3-14) d Rochester 83 (Cadence Major 39 not out, Alyssa Braithwaite 16, Gillian Noelker 4-11)
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