The Nathalia Showgrounds pitch had plenty of tricks on display, which was quickly evident after Rochy won the toss and elected to bat.
Wickets tumbled quickly, with only Rachael Major (12) able to reach double figures as the side was bowled out for 50.
Abby Favaro did the majority of the damage, taking 5-10, while Cody Power and Isabella Daniel snagged two wickets each.
Although the total may have looked like a cakewalk for Nathalia, they say to never judge a pitch until both sides have batted on it, and the adage proved true in this one.
Although Nathalia started a little better than Rochester had, with Jessica Daniel (9) and Tracey Brereton (11) making decent contributions in the top three, the side crumbled even more rapidly than its opponent.
Things looked to be in hand at 5-43, but Cadence Major in particular secured the match for Rochy, taking four scalps as the final five wickets fell without any further score.
Major took a ridiculous 4-1 in 2.4 overs while Harriet East added 2-10 and Hayley Broucek, Taya Munro and Alyssa Braithwaite also took wickets.
Rochester sits in third place, equal with likely semi-final opponent Echuca.
Both sides will get a chance to preview that clash in the final round as they face off at Windridge Oval.
BLU vs Katamatite
Bamawm-Lockington United’s chance at a finals spot took a hit as it suffered defeat by four wickets in Katamatite.
BLU showed resilience in the middle batting first, but struggled to build scoring momentum.
Amy Fitzgerald and Ruby Brentall each hit the balls limit and retired, but were eventually recalled as the Lions ran short of wickets.
Brentall finished with 11 not out, Fitzgerald on 8 and Daneika Hucker made a useful 10, but BLU was dismissed for 67 runs.
Kylie Wooden was the standout for Katamatite, taking four wickets.
The Katty openers then secured a platform for the successful chase.
Christina Roberts made a run-a-ball 10, while Matilda Iddles retired unbeaten on 20 and first drop Sienna Hutchinson added 11.
Once those three were gone, wickets started to fall, but it was too late for BLU to salvage the game and Katamatite limped over the line in 23 overs with four wickets in hand.
BLU isn’t entirely out of the finals race but needs to score a big win over leader Moama in the final round and hope Katamatite falls to Cooma.
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