The Tigers were buoyed by the return of star on-baller Joe Atley from suspension and looked a good chance of claiming another win in the back half of the season.
Rochester kicked the only goal of the opening term to lead by six points at the first break, although a three-goal-to-two second term from Benalla meant the Saints were seven points to the good at half-time.
It was all set for a thrilling finish as Rochester inched slightly closer by the final change, with just one straight kick separating the sides with one term to play.
Rochester managed four scoring shots in the last, while Benalla managed five, but there was a stark contrast in the outcome.
Unfortunately for the Tigers, all four scoring shots were behinds, whereas an efficient Saints outfit kicked five straight, the final score being 3.9 (27) to 9.5 (59) in favour of Benalla.
Hamish Hooppell was again prolific for the Tigers, named as the side’s best, while Dylan Gordon continued to impact after joining the squad midway through the year.
Nathan McCarty, Blake Evans and Grant Fuller rounded out the other influential figures for Rochester.
Mitch Cricelli, Wil Hamilton and Darby Wileman were the only goal-scorers for the Tigers with one apiece.
Christopher Welsh was judged Benalla’s best, while Wade King and Jarrad Waite did all the damage with three goals each.
It is another split round in the Goulburn Valley League next week, with Rochester making the trek to Euroa Memorial Oval to take on the Magpies, while Benalla will host Echuca at home, before both sides enjoy a bye.
The Game
Scores
Rochester: 1.2, 2.3, 3.5, 3.9 (27)
Benalla: 0.2, 3.4, 4.5, 9.5 (59)
Goals
Rochester: Mitch Cricelli, Wil Hamilton, Darby Wileman
Benalla: Wade King 3, Jarrad Waite 3, Blake Uebergang
Best
Rochester: Hamish Hooppell, Dylan Gordon, Blake Evans, Nathan McCarty, Grant Fuller
Benalla: Christopher Welsh, Jordan Wolff, Joshua Marchbank, Henry Hill, Wade King
9°C