Rochester came out firing in its round 17 clash against Echuca at Victoria Park, but it didn’t take the Murray Bombers long to find their groove.
The Tigers were 13-point leaders at quarter-time against the reigning premier before Echuca slammed home 11.2 in the second term, proceeding to keep Rochester goalless in the second half.
The Murray Bombers, led by Jack McHale, Jackson Stewart and Matt Lias, eventually pulled away to a 93-point win, taking another important step in the race for the minor premiership.
McHale tallied 33 disposals and booted four goals, while Joe Atley starred for the Tigers despite the loss with 27 disposals and 17 contested possessions.
Mitch Cricelli, Wil Hamilton and milestone man Matt Kellett in his 50th game also toiled away, while fellow milestone player Liam Tenace booted three goals for Echuca.
The win keeps Echuca on top of the ladder with a game remaining and victory over Mooroopna this weekend would hand the Murray Bombers their second consecutive minor premiership.
But an eye will be cast to the qualifying final, and Echuca’s opponent has been confirmed for the clash.
Seymour’s 23-point win over Tatura confirmed a first-up finals appearance from the two front-runners of the GVL, with Echuca hoping to overcome a two-goal loss to the Lions back in round 10.
In the meantime, the two clubs will duke it out for early bragging rights in round 18 in pursuit of top spot on the ladder.
The Game
Score
Echuca: 1.3, 12.5, 15.6, 21.11 (137)
Rochester: 3.4, 6.4, 6.8, 6.8 (44)
Goals
Echuca: Jack McHale 4, Jack Evans 3, Will Monahan 3, Liam Tenace 3, Jackson Stewart 2, Corbin Anderson, Cooper Barber, Mitch Kemp, Callum Parson, Riley Smith, Mitch Wales
Rochester: Dylan Cuttriss 2, Sean Williams 2, Wil Hamilton, Reed Hocking
Best
Echuca: Jack McHale, Logan Prout, Jack Evans, Jackson Stewart, Bailey Gray
Rochester: Joseph Atley, Mitch Cricelli, Wil Hamilton, Matt Kellett, Reid Gordon