Tigers push undefeated Bears

By Matthew Kappos

Jun 9, 2025

For the third straight round, Rochester found itself slightly off the pace in A-grade netball, this time against one of the league’s undefeated leaders in Shepparton.

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After dropping a game they would have hoped to win against Goulburn Valley League table rivals Shepparton United last week, the Tigers outperformed their standing on Saturday, testing the Bears throughout the encounter at Moon Oval.

Ella Roulston and Kim Borger try to reel in the loose ball. Photo by Matthew Kappos

Rochy actually had the lead for sections of the first period, getting quickly out to a 3-1 advantage and later regaining the lead at 8-6 and 9-8.

The Bears knuckled down in the closing minute before going into the break three ahead after finishing with four of the last five scores.

Ava Cottam gets her arm up defensively. Photo by Matthew Kappos

Shepparton extended the run to start the second, but the Tigers responded, remaining within striking distance throughout the period.

After a back-and-forth term, the main break saw Shepparton six goals ahead, 32-26.

Payton Tiller shapes for goal. Photo by Matthew Kappos

Rochy kept pace coming out of the break, but the Bears were able to make another run midway through the quarter, getting out by as many as 10.

The Tigers refused to give ground and clawed their way back several times in the period, eventually reducing the lead to just seven at the final break.

Sophie Harmer assesses her options. Photo by Matthew Kappos

In the last quarter, the Bears demonstrated the form that has them undefeated through half the season.

Shepp effectively put the game beyond reach, with eight of the first nine goals coming out of the break.

Eloise Cuttriss employs the bounce pass. Photo by Matthew Kappos

The Bears led by 14 on several occasions, but Rochy again refused to go quietly, narrowing the margin to a commendable 10 at full-time.

One half of an often a balanced duo, Ava Nihill took on more of the scoring load for Rochester this week, scoring 35 goals, while Payton Tiller played the supporting role with 16.