Rochy B-reserve falls short against Seymour

By Matthew Kappos and Oliver Shedden

Sep 23, 2024

Grace Ingram distributes from the back in Rochester’s B-reserve grand final loss to Seymour. Photo: Aidan Briggs Photo by Aidan Briggs

Claiming the B-reserve championship was always going to be a tough ask for Rochester against the might of undefeated Seymour, but the Tigers gave it their all when the title was up for grabs.

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The Tigers made a fast start to the contest, jumping out to a quick 8-5 advantage.

However, the lead didn’t last long, and as Rochester’s attacks began to break down, the Lions reeled off nine straight to take a commanding lead.

The first quarter score read 15-9 in Seymour’s favour, and it looked as if the minor premier may run away with the contest.

Rochester's Rachel Whipp fought hard for her side. Photo: Rechelle Zammit Photo by Rechelle Zammit

Towering Seymour goal keeper Toni Bootland was using her length well, causing havoc in the Rochy passing lanes.

A slow start to the second saw neither side able to make much of an impact on the scoreboard, but eventually Rochester was able to string together a few runs, restoring parity at 20-all.

Tigers goalers Shallon Webb and Sahra Brooks were working synergistically inside the ring, giving up lower percentage shots to create better ones for each other.

Shallon Webb scored plenty of goals for Rochester. Photo: Aidan Briggs Photo by Aidan Briggs

Seymour recovered a portion of its lead late in the term to enter half-time up 23-21.

The Lions continued their charge after the break, stretching the lead to four, but the Tigers had another run left in them, pushing from 27-23 back to 27-26.

Rachel Whipp was active in the centre position, and the Tigers as a whole were using strong mid-court movement to inch their way up court and create strong opportunities.

Marli Cottam looks for the pass. Photo: Rechelle Zammit Photo by Rechelle Zammit

Unfortunately, Seymour was not to be denied, closing out the period with a five-goal run to lead 32-26.

The charge continued into the fourth as the run extended to eight before the Tigers could respond and, despite the efforts of the Tigers faithful on the sidelines to inspire their side, Rochy was unable to close the gap again as the final score read 44-30 in favour of Seymour.

Rochester B-reserve coach Maddy Holt reflected on the match and, despite her side giving everything it had, credited Seymour as being a superior side on the day.

Sahra Brooks was lethal in attack for the Tigers. Photo: Rechelle Zammit Photo by Rechelle Zammit

“I thought the girls put in a great effort for what we were up against. Seymour is a very strong side and we put everything out there and just didn't get the win,” she said.

“I think Seymour were just the better team on the day, they are an incredibly polished side, but I think the girls pushed them to the limit.

“We were super proud to make the grand final. It had been a really long time since we made one, so to get there was a huge achievement.”