An unthinkable top-order disintegration has seen Rochester’s unbeaten McMahon Shield start ending, losing by six wickets to Nondies-Cohuna.
Having travelled to take on last year’s runner-up, Rochester won the toss and elected to bat first, with Joel Bunce and Brandon Byrne striding out to face the music.
But almost immediately, the visitors found themselves in trouble, as Bunce (4) returned to the pavilion to leave his side at 1-8 early on.
It was made worse with Byrne, captain Dylan Cuttriss and Adam Ward all sent packing for ducks, Rochester left reeling at 4-8.
A mini-fightback occurred as the visitors managed to add another 20-odd runs for no loss, however a collapse of 3-8 saw Rochester slump to 7-42 and in desperate need of a hero.
The tail wagged as best it could, with Jake Wright and Matthew Harrington each adding 15, but it was too little, too late as Nondies-Cohuna wrapped up the innings in the 29th over, bowling Rochester out for just 79.
Xavier Wishart did most of the damage, ending with 4-25 from his nine overs, receiving support from Archie Sussex (2-17) and Zeb Ellwood (2-22).
Rochester struck early with the ball, with Cuttriss dismissing opener Patrick Doyle for just two, however Ellwood (21) and Sussex (18) ticked off most of the required runs.
The visitors reduced Nondies from 1-55 to 4-56 in quick fashion, however Angus Donat and Will O’Shea were able to finish the job comfortably, both finishing on 10 not out as Nondies-Cohuna reached the total in the 24th over.
Last year’s runner-up moves into fourth on the ladder and will look to string together consecutive wins against reigning premier Echuca in the grand final rematch.
Rochester hosts Echuca South on Saturday and no doubt make an effort to redeem itself in what promises to be an entertaining clash.
The Game
Rochester 10-79 (Jake Wright 15, Matthew Harrington 15, Xavier Wishart 4-25) lost to Nondies-Cohuna 4-81 (Zeb Ellwood 21, Archie Sussex 18, Fraser Cleary 1-10)