Coach’s corner: Rochester under-16 coach Steve Joyce makes a point to his team at Windridge Oval on Sunday. The team responded with a 16 point win on the back of three Harrison Keating goals and Lachlan Joyce’s best afield display.
Round seven of the Bendigo Junior Football League season saw Rochester under-14s play Castlemaine at Strauch Reserve in Huntly.
Hold tight - we’re checking permissions before loading more content
The game was the Tigers’ most competitive for the season with an 11-point lead at quarter-time.
The momentum changed over the next two quarters, with Castlemaine making it hard for the Tigers to retain their early lead and make a comeback. The low scoring game reflected the pressure the Tigers applied even though the final score was not in their favour.
Amon Riordan found his confidence and used his body to secure the footy for Rochy.
Kassidy Cail ran hard to apply pressure on her opponents, contesting the footy in the back line.
Jag Tarrant never failed to use the footy effectively and disrupt Castlemaine’s play across half back.
Leo Hayes was instrumental in setting up passages of play and hitting targets all over the ground.
Playing forward, Hunter Hartshorne found spaces to ensure he assisted many team goals.
Collectively, all members of the team put in a great effort against a worthy opposition.
Final score: Castlemaine 8.11 (59) defeated Rochester 5.3 (33). Goals: Darby Martin 2, Harvey Keating, Morgan Boyack, Zac McInnes. Best players: Leo Hayes, Tex Jones, Harvey Keating, Darby Martin, Reno Mountjoy, Kassidy Cail.
Mayreef Pty Ltd One Percenter Award: Ella Treacy. Play of the day: Morgan Boyack.
Walk the line: Oliver Williams runs the boundary line as he send the Tigers into attack in their Under 16 victory on Sunday.
— Rochester under-16s claimed its first win in the Premier Division of the under-16 Bendigo competition. After a close loss last weekend, the Tigers were able to go one better this weekend to secure a victory over Sandhurst.
The game started off scrappy, with both teams having big numbers around the footy. With both half-back lines dominating, the game was played mainly between the arcs for the first quarter, but the Tigers’ forward line was able to capitalise when it got a chance.
Goals to Lachie Joyce, Harrison Keating and Trey White gave the Tigers a handy 15 point lead at quarter-time.
The second quarter was largely dominated by Sandhurst, but some brilliant team defensive work meant that they were not able to put much damage on the scoreboard.
Jordy Rasmussen was setting up well behind the footy and Curtis Howard at full-back played his best game for the season. Angus Ferguson was clean and clever with his use of the footy and Will Broucek applied some great pressure in the back half. Although the Tigers went goalless for the quarter, they also managed to keep Sandhurst to just two points and went to the main break 14 points up.
The third quarter was again a tight affair with both teams adding two goals for the quarter. Harrison Keating continued to weave his way through traffic through the midfield, Lachie Joyce continued to win the footy on the ground and in the air and Oakley Tarrant was at his bullocking best.
Cooper Harbour played a great game in the ruck and Oliver Williams presented well across half-forward. Keating kicked his second goal for the game after a strong mark and Oliver Williams snapped a great goal to ensure the Tigers went to the final change holding on to their 14 point lead.
If it wasn’t for some ill-discipline from the boys, the lead at the last quarter could have been bigger.
The intensity in the last quarter really picked up. Bodies were crashing in and calm heads were needed.
Trey White, who was dangerous up forward all game, continued to provide a terrific option for his team. Kade Pearse had a great last quarter, kicking a goal and he could have kicked three for the quarter.
Matt Harrington also kicked a goal and it was fitting that Harrison Keating sealed the match with a great mark and goal. It was his third goal in a best-on-ground performance. The Tigers ended up winning by 16 points.
Last week the first quarter cost the boys a shot at victory, this week it was the winning quarter.
Final scores: Rochester 8.9 (57) defeated Sandhurst Navy 6.5 (41) Best players: Harrison Keating, Lachie Joyce, Oakley Tarrant, Oliver Williams, Jordy Rasmussen, Cooper Harbour. Goals: Harrison Keating (3), Lachie Joyce, Trey White, Kade Pearse, Matt Harrington, Oliver Williams (1).
Rochester Football Netball Club One Percenter Award: Bill Hipwell; for his willingness to fight in a contest when he wasn’t in the best position.
Handy player: Rochester under-14 captain Darby Martin looks to handball in his team’s terrific first half against Castlemaine. The team was eventually beaten by 26 points, Martin was among the goalkickers.
10°C