GVL | Tigers get the job done against Swans

By Daniel Webb

May 16, 2022

Flying tackle: Rochester’s Jacob Atley leaps at his opponent. Photo by Bruce Povey

Rochester sits on top of the Goulburn Valley League ladder, after a strong showing against the Shepparton Swans on Saturday afternoon.

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The round six clash, held at Rochester’s Moon Oval, was the Tigers’ to lose from the first break, with a massive first quarter putting the home side in the box seat.

On the move: Shepparton’s BJ Squire in control. Photo by Bruce Povey

It was an impressive start to the game for the Tigers, taking a 5.2 (32) to 2.2 (14) lead into quarter time, before the Swans made up some ground in the second.

In the third it was all one-way traffic, with Rochester producing nine scoring shots to one, and despite an even last term on the scoreboard, the Tigers ran out 13.15 (93) to 8.7 (55) victors.

Breaking free: Joe Atley of Rochester shrugs off a tackle. Photo by Bruce Povey

Rochester coach Steven Stroobants praised the Swans’ brand of football.

“They were young, enthusiastic and put the pressure on us, our first quarter was pretty handy and then they sort of came at us in the second quarter,” Stroobants said.

Quick feet: Shepparton’s Tyreece Collison turns with pace. Photo by Bruce Povey

“We reassessed a couple of things at half time and were able to get back on top in the third quarter which was pleasing.”

Among Rochester’s best was Shaun Atley, Jordan Harper, Nathan Kay, Mitch Cricelli and Joseph Atley, with Stroobants saying it was good to see the side’s leaders stand up.

Flying high: Rochester coach Steven Stroobants leaps for the ball. Photo by Bruce Povey

He explained that after a slow start to the season the side had been able to roll out some strong performances, with the Tigers hoping to continue this heading into the bye weekend.

“We’ve got the Shepparton Bears this week who had a bit of a tough loss on Saturday but they’ve been pretty good the other games before that one,” Stroobants said.

In traffic: Rochester’s Shaun Atley under pressure from Shepparton’s BJ Squire. Photo by Bruce Povey

“It will be another tough game for us and we’ve got to come out and really play our brand of footy to get the win and hopefully do that and go into the bye in a really strong position.”

Under pressure: Rochester’s Nathan Kay is tackled by Shepparton’s Charlie Ward. Photo by Bruce Povey

For the Shepparton Swans, the side will be disappointed it did not get something out of the contest, with first and third term lapses ultimately proving the difference on the scoreboard.

Swans coach Andrew Riordan was best-on-ground for the visiting side, while Zac Banch, BJ Squire, Ben Gilberto and Diesel Batey were all named among the side’s best.

Passing it off: Rochester’s Adam McPhee gives the ball to a teammate. Photo by Bruce Povey

The loss continues a tough few weeks for the side in red-and-white, with the Swans’ only win of the season so far coming in round one.

Tackle time: Rochester's Adam McPhee and Shepparton's Isaiah Jones battle for the ball. Photo by Bruce Povey

Shepparton will certainly be hoping their fortunes turn around in round seven, with a Sunday afternoon battle at Mansfield set to be another daunting challenge.