Fierce battle: Rochester and Kyabram staged a frenetically contested Campaspe clash. Photo: Bruce Povey
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BrucePoveyPhotos.com 2022
A Goulburn Valley League clash between Rochester and Kyabram wasn’t guaranteed to deliver in seasons gone by — but it’s different in 2024.
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Rochester and Kyabram served up an entertaining clash of western sides under Saturday night lights at Moon Oval and it never truly felt like going either way until the final siren blew.
With that said, it didn’t have to be that way.
Kyabram playing co-coach Kaine Herbert drew first blood on the road, but Rochester quickly quelled that influence through the double act of Wil Hamilton and Mitch Cricelli.
The second term brought about periods of wasteful football from both sides, with neither able to establish a prominent foothold after squandering handfuls of chances, though the Tigers would take a 19-point advantage into the sheds.
Everything started to fall into place for the home side after the break after a goal early in time-on blew the margin out to 30 before the visitors gave a yelp through late goals to Kaleb Williams and Brad Mangan.
Chances continued to come and go for Rochester as the threat of being upended loomed larger by the minute during the final term, with Anthony De Pasquale notching four goals on the night through a huge effort in the final term.
There will inevitably be some soul-searching to do at the Tigers after a five-goal lead evaporated deep into the closing stages, mustering just four behinds in the final half-hour as Kyabram miraculously prevailed 9.13 (67) to 9.11 (65).
Brushed off: Rochester's Mitch Bright fends off Kyabram's Bohden Learmonth.
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BrucePoveyPhotos.com 2022
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Out in front: Kyabram's Brad Mangan slides in to claim a mark.
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BrucePoveyPhotos.com 2022
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Last ditch: Rochester's Jacob Atley spoils Kyabram's Marcus Khoo.
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BrucePoveyPhotos.com 2022
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Lunging effort: Kyabram's William Burnett throws himself into a tackle.
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BrucePoveyPhotos.com 2022
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Get it away: Rochester's Matt Kellett tries to clear defensive 50.
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BrucePoveyPhotos.com 2022
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You're mine: Kyabram's Josh Dillon brings down Rochester's Bailey Wileman.
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BrucePoveyPhotos.com 2022
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Man on: Rochester's Andy Henderson is in trouble after a tackle by Kyabram's Kaine Herbert.
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BrucePoveyPhotos.com 2022
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BrucePoveyPhotos.com 2022
The win marks a turning point for Kyabram, which struggled in its home opener and eventually narrowly fell to Mooroopna after a swathe of high-profile departures in the off-season.
It won’t immediately get any easier for the Bombers, however, with the looming threat of Euroa this weekend in a surefire test of the 2023 runner-up’s credentials.
Likewise for Rochester, which will have little time to dwell on heartbreak against a local rival.
The fadeout will need to be addressed — and quickly — lest a lack of energy cost the Tigers late against Shepparton this week at Deakin Reserve following the Bears’ thumping win over co-tenant Shepparton United.
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