Sport
Rochester issues statement with resounding Goulburn Valley League triumph over Benalla
Rochester has issued a thumping statement to the Goulburn Valley League in its opening day out.
The Tigers blitzed an embattled Benalla 15.18 (108) to 5.3 (33) at Benalla Showgrounds, propelled to victory thanks to two monster terms.
Five goals in each of the second and fourth quarters hinted at a clear scoring end at the showgrounds and in the thick of it was Mitch Cricelli.
Rochester’s mobile ruckman launched six majors during what turned into a rout, yet at the first break, Benalla was right in the race.
The Saints had kicked 1.0 to Rochester’s 2.4, but the quarter-time rev up from coach Ash Watson worked wonders as the Tigers roared to life, kicking four unanswered goals.
Watson’s side kept the grunt and goals rolling throughout the game’s second half, Benalla still struggling to hit its straps inside 50.
Rochester’s backline kept Saints coach and key forward Jarrad Waite deathly quiet as the host’s hulking target man finished with a sole major.
Sam Begley, Aaron Blackburn, Nick Brazil and Chris Welsh were the Saints’ others to impact the scoreboard, while boom recruit Mark Marriott made a lasting impression on the home crowd.
For Rochester, Cricelli’s big bag was complemented by hauls of three and four from James McPhee and Sean Williams respectively.
The Tigers eye off their first home fixture in round two, back at Moon Oval to face Kyabram.
Meanwhile, Benalla’s road doesn’t get easier as it treks to Mooroopna.