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 10.2 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 in Goulburn Valley League.
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.
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Dish it off: Echuca's Liam Tenace fires out a handball. Photo: Bruce Povey. Photo by Bruce PoveyImage 2 of 3
Caught: Rochester's Reed Hocking drags his opponent to the ground. Photo: Bruce Povey. Photo by Bruce PoveyImage 3 of 3
Hands up: Rochester's Joe Atley. Photo: Bruce Povey. Photo by Bruce PoveyMitch 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 straight 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 league, with Echuca hoping to overcome a two-goal loss to the Lions 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.