It was goals galore in the Goulburn Valley League A-grade netball competition over the weekend.
The second half of the round 13 split round threw up plenty of action, with Seymour securing a win, Benalla cruising to victory and Rochester getting things done.
For the Tigers it was far from smooth-sailing at home, with the visiting Mansfield competing well in the first term.
With a score of 17-13 at the first break, a close game appeared to be on the cards, however the home side soon stood up, convincingly winning the next three quarters to run out 61-to-29 victors.
Rochester coach Rachel Whipp said it was exciting for the girls to get the win.
“They’ve put in a lot of hard work over the season and to be rewarded with a good win is great for them and a real morale booster,” Whipp said.
With Morgan Dingwall out for the rest of the year due to a knee injury, the Tigers were forced to make a number of changes on the weekend.
The versatile Maddie Egglestone moved into the attacking ring, while A-grade debutant Poppy Palmer took up Egglestone’s usual position as goal-keeper.
“I guess during that first quarter it probably took time for everyone to settle in to different combinations,” Whipp said.
“Mansfield were very competitive for the whole game, the score doesn’t reflect the intensity of the game.”
Mid-courter Charlee Roulston was named best-on-court for the Tigers, while Egglestone and Ellie Cuttriss also stood out.
For Mansfield, Grace Hood played well; Hood was joined by Ellie Kipping and Isabella Riley as best performers.
The win keeps Rochester in touching distance of the top six, however plenty of things need to go the Tigers’ way to make finals.
“You never say never,” Whipp said.
“You don’t like to be in that position where you’re relying on other teams to lose."
Elsewhere on Saturday afternoon, Benalla secured a 62-to-28 win over Tatura.
Led by coach Kellie Keen, the Saints kept their slim GVL finals hopes alive with the big away win.
Meanwhile at Princess Park the Shepparton Swans fell to Seymour 16 to 43.
The ladder-leading Lions were simply too strong for the Swans, with the game called off early due to a serious injury for the Shepparton side.