Sharp reflexes: Rochester captain Dylan Cuttriss watches as Patrick Doyle catches him in the slips. Photo: Bruce Povey
An unthinkable top-order disintegration has helped end Rochester’s unbeaten start to the McMahon Shield season, as it lost by six wickets to Nondies-Cohuna.
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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.
Steaming in: Miles Wade launches into his bowling action. Photo: Bruce Povey
But almost immediately, the visitors were in trouble, as Bunce (4) returned to the pavilion to leave his side at 1-8.
It was made worse with Byrne, captain Dylan Cuttriss and Adam Ward all sent packing for ducks — Rochester reeling at 4-8.
Rip it: Spinner Kyeran Ellery sends one down. Photo: Bruce Povey
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.
Safe hands: Brandon Byrne holds a catch to dismiss Archie Sussex. Photo: Bruce Povey
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).
Chin music: Patrick Doyle receives a bouncer from Jake Wright. Photo: Bruce Povey
Rochester struck early with the ball, 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, but 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.
Make him play: Fraser Cleary bowls for Rochester. Photo: Bruce Povey
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 in what promises to be an entertaining clash.
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