Maddie Howard was exceptional in defence, putting into practise what she has learned so far and taking numerous intercepts.
Sophie Joyce was consistently strong and steady, providing good leading options for her teammates.
The newly transformed defender into goalie, Marli Cottam, looked like she had played goals for years — composed and accurate.
The girls have lots to work on for our next game and will look forward to a win next round.
In the 17 & Under match, Rochester went down 22 to Echuca’s 26.
It was a very physical and tough game making the girls work hard for every possession.
Poppy Palmer and Ava Cottam worked tirelessly in defence to turn over ball, with Charlotte Gould providing lots of drive into the goal ring.
Kaitlyn Joyce and Leila Palmer were very dynamic in the centre court, feeding the ball well into the goalers.
Rochester fought hard in the fourth quarter almost pulling off a great comeback, but Echuca held strong for the win.
In what was a long-awaited 200-game milestone for Rochester’s Naomi Riordan, the B-Reserve team could not get the fairytale result for their much-loved leader.
Echuca’s strong start to the game proved to be a challenge for coach Colleen Egglestone and her squad.
Rochester created some exciting passages of play with experienced Kristy Roulston, Rach Whipp and Anna Oliver taking the court.
Best-on performance by Ash Flanagan not only showing great determination but also versatility from GD to GS.
Krystal Conder was dynamic in the mid court providing strong leads while Ella McPhee also played well in both goals and WA.
Rochester’s B-grade team started the match very strong with goalers Sahra Brooks and Charlotte Gould combining incredibly well in the ring, keeping ahead of Echuca by one goal at the end of first quarter.
In the second quarter, defenders Linda Rasmussen and Jaime Dingwall continued their constant hard work in the ring while Eliza Williams showed her impressive skills and strength.
Echuca’s mid court applied lots of pressure on Rochester through the centre of the court taking the lead at the end of second quarter.
With fresh legs taking the court in the middle and attacking end, it gave Rochester the boost they needed.
Echuca was powerful in its defensive play across the court.
Rochester continued to fight, but succumbed to a number of injuries taking valuable players off the court and helping Echuca to a five-goal win.
Both A-grade teams came out blistering and raring to go from the first whistle.
While the girls worked hard in all positions Rochester just fell short at 38 to the strong Echuca team’s 49.
Morgan Dingwall and Teal Hocking goaled beautifully together causing havoc for the experienced Echuca defenders.
Likewise Madison Egglestone, Linda Rasmussen and Bridgette Holt punished down the defensive end to keep in touch with Echuca, along with Ellie Cutriss, Ella Roulston and Charlee Roulston powering through the mid court.
Award winners for the week were Ella Roulston, Madison Egglestone and young gun Teal Hocking.
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