Rochester has survived a scare at Moon Oval in round 13 of Goulburn Valley League.
At three-quarter time, less than two goals separated third-placed Rochester and 10th-placed Benalla.
After failing to score a goal in the opening quarter, the Saints fought hard to stay in the contest with 25 minutes of football remaining.
It had been an impressive performance by Benalla as the Saints’ midfield was empowered after a strong output over the past few weeks, with Benalla winning the total clearances by two (40-42).
Saints captain Chris Welsh led from the front for his side, collecting an impressive 44 disposals, seven tackles and 10 clearances.
Fellow midfielders James Martiniello (32 disposals, nine tackles, seven clearances) and Tyler McGregor (30 disposals, nine inside 50s and six clearances) also impressed.
However, despite the Saints’ spirited effort, the Tigers’ class shone through in the final term, with Rochester kicking 27-1 to claim a 37-point win.
The final scores finished 12.10 (82) to 6.9 (45) in Rochester’s favour.
Benalla’s Aaron Blackburn provided a highlight for the match after taking a screamer on top of a pack in the goalsquare — Blackburn went back and kicked truly from point-blank range.
Rochester’s James McPhee was busy in attack with three goals, but the star of the show was Tigers forward Wil Hamilton, who kicked five majors for the match.
Hamilton also collected 22 touches — 14 of which were contested — and 12 marks in a commanding performance from the star Tiger.
The Rochester forward has now kicked 11 goals across his past three matches and could be a pivotal player for the Tigers come finals.
With five rounds left in the home and away season, Rochester faces a tough run home with games against the three other top-four teams.
This weekend is arguably the Tigers’ most important fixture as they host second-placed Shepparton, with a win potentially seeing Rochester usurp the Bears on the ladder.
For Benalla, the competitive loss against Rochester showed signs of the Saints’ continued development in the second half of the season.
Benalla will travel to Deakin Reserve this weekend to play Shepparton United.
If the Saints can secure a victory over the Demons, and Seymour loses to Tatura, Benalla could climb to ninth on the ladder by the end of round 14.
The Game
Scores
Rochester: 2.2, 5.4, 8.7, 12.10 (82)
Benalla: 0.4, 2.6, 6.8, 6.9 (45)
Goals
Rochester: Wil Hamilton 5, James McPhee 3, Jacob Atley, Matt Kellett, Nat Rasmussen, Dillon Williams
Benalla: Philip Edgar 2, Aaron Blackburn, Nathan Hill, Wade King, Patrick Warner
Best
Rochester: Wil Hamilton, Dylan Gordon, Adam McPhee, Douglas Wren, James McPhee
Benalla: Jordan Wolff, James Martiniello, Wade King, Christopher Welsh, Tyler McGregor