While it was left late, Rochester raced away to a solid triumph over Kyabram to kick-start its season on Saturday.
With scores locked at 27-all at three-quarter time, the Tigers lifted the tempo to pull away from the Bombers and emerge with a 39-31 result.
Rochester coach Linda Rasmussen was rapt with how her side maintained composure and didn’t play into Kyabram’s game plan.
“It was physical; I think our girls did a really good job to keep their heads,” Rasmussen said.
“They did the easy game and just held out, so we’re really proud of them.”
Fiery in nature, the exchange was tight from the get-go with Tigers goaler Annie Hughes hitting her straps early to earn a two-goal lead at the first break.
Deployed in wing defence, Eloise Cuttriss was tasked with containing Bombers coach Elivia Hall and her tact stemmed plenty of Kyabram’s flow through the midcourt.
Accuracy inside the ring was lacking at both ends, but Kyabram managed to stay in the contest despite conceding a series of lacklustre turnovers through the second and third quarters.
But with the scores locked heading into the final stanza, Rasmussen’s instructions were simple.
“We said it was up to them to win it; don’t lose it,” she said.
“We went into our shells a little bit and mucked around with the ball, so we said go out there, play our game and keep our heads.”
Cool headedness was needed as desire reached a fever pitch and though Kyabram had opportunities to take the game right to the siren, Rochester ensured it would emerge with the points by nailing the crucial shots.
Cuttriss earned best-on-court merits for Rochester, while Rasmussen handed credit down to Charlee and Ella Roulston in the midcourt for their pressure and physical presence.
But as was the day’s theme, the Tigers’ mentor emphasised the importance of netball’s return following trying times for the town.
“This year, for our community, it was all about getting back together and reconnecting and we’re just proud that we can get a team out there for our community,” she said.
“They’re fighting so hard, we’ve got so many people without homes and for us it’s been about getting people back out there.”