Rochester defeats Rich River to maintain finals momentum

The men’s doubles swung Rich River’s way 2-1 as Darren Short won twice, first 8-4 with Josh Boyd, and then 8-6 with Steve Rawlings.

The remaining men’s doubles saw Lachlan Smith team with Tobie Woodfine for an 8-6 victory.

The women’s doubles were split with each side taking two sets, although Rochester edged Rich River 21-20 in total games.

The most impressive result saw Rachael Major and Karen Taylor score an 8-0 victory for Rochester.

In the mixed doubles, Rochester maintained its advantage, taking three of four matches.

Nash Hocking and Kaitlin Familari made a winning pai as they picked up an 8-4 victory for Rochester.

These two sides will meet again next week in a semi-final, making this a confidence-building win for second-placed Rochester.

The winner will move on and face either Echuca 2 or the undefeated Echuca 1 in the grand final.

Lockington-Bamawm United forfeited its match his week, with the victory awarded to Echuca 2.

Division two

Lockington-Bamwam United scored a win over Elmore, 8-72 to 5-68.

James Brentnall (7-5) and Stuart Newton (7-6) started things off well for LBU as they logged singles wins.

Elmore fought back in the middle portion of the tie, including Taylah Pratt and Katherine Jamieson picking up a 6-1 win.

However, overall it was LBU coming out on top more often as it closed out the match with a 6-4 win to Nicholas Mitchell and Chelsea Newton.

LBU holds fourth place and will now face Rochester in a semi-final, while the season is over for Elmore, who finished fifth.

Rochester defeated Echuca 6 8-63 to 5-55 to hold on to top spot on the ladder.

The teams traded wins throughout the back-and-forth tie, but eventually, it was the ladder-leader who broke away.

A 6-0 victory for Shane Bywaters and Chrstine Hooppell highlighted what turned out to be a routine victory for Rochester.

Rochy faces LBU in a semi-final next week, with the winner to take on either Echuca 4 or Echuca 6 in the grand final.