Sunday’s second round of grading in the Bendigo Junior Football League saw both Rochester Tigers teams travel to Marist College to play against Maiden Gully YCW.
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On an extremely windy day footy was going to be a big ask.
The Under-16 team worked hard all game, but unfortunately came up short, going down to MGYCW by 19 points.
Jordy Rasmussen was a standout across half back, along with Harrison Keating. He set up multiple plays, running through lines, switching up the play and setting up many attacks.
Lachie Joyce led from the front, once again assisted by Oakley Tarrant with their relentless pressure in and around the stoppages.
Rory Hayes played well on the wing with constant efforts throughout the game.
Cooper Harbour and Paddy Eeles gave 100 per cent all game.
The boys are progressing well and the rewards will come.
Final score: Maiden Gully 5.8 38 to Rochester 2.7 19
Goalkickers: Oakley Tarrant, Trey White.
Award winners: Jordy Rasmussen, Lachie Joyce, Harrison Keating, Oakley Tarrant, Rory Hayes, Cooper Harbour.
Rochester Football Netball Club One Percenter Award: Paddy Eeles
Under-14
From the opening bounce the Under-14 team was switched on and dominated the play for the duration of the match.
Morgan Boyack snagged a goal within the first minute, inspiring his teammates to ensure a sizeable lead at quarter time.
Playing in the midfield, Cale James won and used the footy skilfully, adding to his team’s score with six goals for the match.
Ella Treacy was versatile, playing all across the ground with confidence and impact.
Leo Hayes took strong marks in the forward line and used his penetrating left foot to kick three goals.
Darby Martin used his running ability and skill to set up many passages of play from half back.
Zac McInnes used his height and strength to win many ruck contests and guarantee Rochy clearances from the centre.
Declan Carmichael selflessly created opportunities for his teammates to score. He also added one of his own to the tally.
Coach Leigh Hartshorne identified individual player efforts and how they combined to create opportunities for the wider team. It was these opportunities that allowed the Under-14s to finish the game with a solid win.
Maiden Gully is to be commended for trying its hardest the whole game.
Final score: 0.0 0 Maiden Gully to 21.22 148 Rochester
Goalkickers: Cale James 6, Morgan Boyack 3, Leo Hayes 3, Darby Martin 3, Mitchell Skeers, Tex Jones, Ben Hewes, Declan Carmichael, Axel Cail, Amon Riordan.
Award winners were: Tex Jones, Harvey Keating, Darby Martin, Cale James, Leo Hayes, Zac McInnes
Mayreef Pty Ltd One Percenter Award: Ella Treacy
Under-12
It was an early start for the Rochester Under-12 team at Leitchville Gunbower with a 10am kick off Sunday morning.
With the sun beaming, the boys were eager and ready to go.
Leitchville Gunbower was short on players, so Hugh Acocks and Mason Mundie pulled on jumpers for the opposition team for the first half and played in the centre. They didn’t hold back in supporting Leitchville Gunbower, with some great ball skills and both scored a goal.
It was fantastic to see the younger boys stepping up and taking on new positions and roles, given there were six players out for the week — leaving Rochy with 17 players on the field.
The Rochy boys were off to a slow start, with Leitchville Gunbower getting up by 16 points at half-time. In true Rochy spirit there was no dropping their heads at half-time.
After Mitchell McInnes and Zach Froon had played a very strong first half, they exchanged jumpers and played for Leitchville Gunbower in the second half.
That didn’t that change their approach to the game, both good players in the second half.
Judd Cuttriss was a great reader of the play and with second effort running into defence. His efforts were rewarded with three goals and he was ably supported by some great team efforts from Zac Howard — kicking to Makore Dickinson, who then lowered his eyes to find Mason who then goaled.
Maddox Parker laid the tackle of the season to hold up one of Leitchville Gunbower’s stronger players and seal the win for Rochy.
Makore Dickinson’s efforts to push himself to contest was inspiring for fellow players. His speed when he needed to tackle was excellent. Sunday’s captain Taylor Murray helped pick up his team with encouragement.
It became a huge team effort and some passionate football enabled the comeback to be completed and the Tigers led by the final siren.
Final score: Leitchville Gunbower 23 to Rochester 31
Award winners: Hugh Acocks, Zach Froon, Mitchell McInnes, Mason Mundie
Rochester Spreading Services One Percenter Award: Judd Cuttriss
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