Sunday saw the Rochester Junior Football Club host its first triple-header for the season at Windridge Oval.
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The home crowd attendance was strong, and the Rochester Football Netball Club was well-represented with several players running water all day – proving a real highlight for the young players.
In perfect conditions for football, the under-12s bolted out of the blocks to kick a goal in the first 30 seconds of the game through some slick ball use out of the middle between Judd Cuttriss, Asher and Harry Rasmussen.
Taylor Murray weaved through traffic to put the second on the board with a classy snap after some clean ball movement up the ground from Walt James.
Some Deniliquin bigger bodies kept the pressure on the young Tigers, who continued to use the ball effectively and run hard defensively.
With some incredibly selfless play early in the second term, Max Lea found space to hit the scoreboard, and was soon followed by a true snap from Asher Rasmussen.
Heavy tackling from Deniliquin slowed the boys’ ball movement momentarily before Hugh Acocks inserted himself into the game, providing a spark and confidence for his teammates to keep attacking the football.
Deniliquin answered with a goal of their own after breaking through the often-impenetrable defence.
Harry Rasmussen switched down back and steadied the ship with some strong contests. Deegan Tatt worked hard to impact around stoppages and Mac Dickinson provided great drive through the centre of the ground.
In the third quarter, Noah Makepeace set up well behind the ball to ensure any forward movement from Deniliquin was short-lived, while Ryder Murray put his body on the line time after time.
Taylor Murray continued to work hard in great positions and again kicked truly, providing headaches for his opponent. Mason Mundie put his name on the scorecard with a great set shot as the boys continued to share the ball and use their run and carry to advantage.
Late in the quarter, the boys impressed the senior footballers, who were running the water for them, with slick ball movement and change of angles, resulting in a goal to Archie Watson.
Jaxon Wolfe wore his opponent like a glove and closed down space every chance he got, while Harrison Wilkins used his clean skills to force the ball forward.
In the fourth, Seth Hunter presented well through traffic to kick the first of the quarter as the boys continued to efficiently dispose of the ball at every opportunity.
Judd Cuttriss finished some hard running with a goal, quickly followed by Archie Watson again.
Max Lea attacked the footy repeatedly, while Harry Rasmussen ran the game out strongly.
Even though comfortably in front on the scoreboard, the boys continued to share the ball around and found Noah Makepeace late in the game, who completed a positive game for the side.
Toby reiterated to the boys how well they attacked the ball and are taking on board what is being practised at training.
A big thanks to our senior footballers for also volunteering to run water for each of the junior games on the day.
Award winners: Judd Cuttriss, Mac Dickinson, Mason Mundie, Harry Rasmussen, Ryder Murray.
Rochester spreading one-percenter award: Archie Watson.
Under-14s
Rochester’s under-14 team took the ground next, in quite warm conditions for footy in May.
Harvey Keating played a great game, leading the defenders in what was a tough match against Kangaroo Flat. Jag Tarrant read the ball well off centre-half back, managing to stop the ball on several occasions.
Darby Martin and Cale James fought out a tough midfield, well supported by Zac McInnes, Morgan Boyack and Leo Hayes.
Ella Treacy was hard at the ball right across the ground.
Reno Mountjoy hit the ball with pace, setting up a great first half in the backline. This then continued on further up the ground in the second half.
Ben Hewes had a solid game in multiple positions, moving the ball with precision.
Overall, the Tigers were outdone on the day however showed real heart and teamwork throughout the entire game.
Final score: Rochester 03.03 21 defeated by Kangaroo Flat 10.04 64
Goal-kickers: Cale James (2), Leo Hayes (1)
Award winners: Harvey Keating, Reno Mountjoy, Darby Martin, Ben Hewes, Leo Hayes, Jag Tarrant.
Mayreef one-percenter award: Charles Watson.
Under-16s
The Tigers’ under-16s worked hard for four quarters to produce an impressive win over White Hills on Sunday.
The first quarter was a hard slog for both teams, with the backline of both teams dominating the quarter. A good contested mark and beautiful kick from Lachie Joyce produced the first major for the Tigers.
The second and third quarters were an arm wrestle, with neither team being able to take control of the game. The Tigers had fought hard to take a three-goal lead into the three-quarter time break and coach Steve Joyce urged his boys to continue to run and put the opposition away.
The last quarter, the young Tigers did exactly that and enjoyed a well-earned 32-point win.
The boys’ ability to switch the footy and cut the White Hills defence apart with precision kicking was a joy to watch. All game they continued to run and support each other and were harder at the footy, for longer.
The forward line provided a nice mix, with Cooper Harbour providing a tall target and Kade Pearse, Matt Harrington, Jimmy Otto and Trey White looking dangerous in the air and on the ground.
Lachie Joyce won a stack of the ball and provided great run all over the ground, capping his work off with a goal.
Oakley Tarrant was a bull through the midfield, smashing in for tackles and continuing to drive the ball forward.
Rory Hayes played on the wing beautifully, being an option when the ball was coming out of the backline and also when the ball was going into our forward line.
Jordy Rasmussen was dominant across half-back, winning countless intercept possessions and used the ball brilliantly.
Harrison Keating started off half-back, but had the license to run all over the ground. His ability to work himself out of packs and open up the ground with clever movement was crucial to the team’s success.
The boys have one more grading game to go, and have acquitted themselves very well, winning two games and losing one so far.
Final scores: Rochester 9.15 69 to White Hills 5.7 37
Goal-kickers: Jimmy Otto (3), Harrison Keating, Oakley Tarrant, Lachie Joyce, Kade Pearse, Matt Harrington and Curtis Howard (1).
Award winners: Harrison Keating, Jordy Rasmussen, Oakley Tarrant, Lachie Joyce, Jimmy Otto and Rory Hayes.
Rochester Football Netball Club one-percenter award: Curtis Howard.
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