It may have taken until the fourth quarter, but a late flurry of goals has helped Euroa run out a 50-point winner over a defiant Rochester on Saturday.
With an 11-point lead at the final break, Euroa was forced to find an extra gear to ensure it moved to a 6-3 record after nine rounds of Goulburn Valley League action.
The Magpies booted seven of the final eight goals of the match to sink Rochester 14.15 (99) to 7.7 (49).
Without star on-baller Will Hayes at his disposal, due to concussion symptoms, Euroa coach Scott Rowan was pleased his side was able to withstand the gallant Tigers at Moon Oval.
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Dish it off: Rochester's Nathan McCarty. Photo by Bruce PoveyImage 2 of 7
Head over the ball: Rochester's Bailey Wileman. Photo by Bruce PoveyImage 3 of 7
Caught: Rochester's Lochlan Sketcher. Photo by Bruce PoveyImage 4 of 7
Winding up: Rochester's Mitch Cricelli. Photo by Bruce PoveyImage 5 of 7
Quick hands: Rochester's Joe Atley. Photo by Bruce PoveyImage 6 of 7
Flying high: Euroa's Erish Uthayakumar. Photo by Bruce PoveyImage 7 of 7
Strong grab: Euroa's Ryan Pendlebury. Photo by Bruce Povey“We stuck to our guns and were able to grind it out,” he said.
“Rochy were really competitive and Joe Atley is a fantastic player for them. They played quite a defensive game and looked to maintain possession, so we knew we had to work on our pressure and create turnovers.
“They went well for three quarters, but we were able to get a bit of a gap on them in the last. We were really happy to go over to Moon Oval and tough it out for four quarters and come away with a win.”
Both outfits had their standouts on Saturday.
The home side’s Blake Evans found a stack of the ball and finished with 40 disposals while teammate Joe Atley was prolific as usual with 34 touches, seven clearances and a goal.
Tall timber Mitch Cricelli was important with 28 disposals, 17 contested possessions, seven clearances and one major.
Versatile Euroa talent Jack McKernan had a standout game with three majors, while Jayden Gleeson was lively across half-forward with nine inside 50s and a goal.
Gun defender Ryan Pendlebury had a strong outing with 29 disposals, 10 intercept possessions and seven score involvements.
Rowan praised his side’s top performers.
“Jack is the ultimate swingman, he adds so much versatility to our team and it was pleasing to see him play well,” he said.
“Jayden was really good as a lead-up forward and I thought it was his best game of the year. Nate (Trotter) has been solid down back and he provides a lot of help to Ryan across half-back.”