WNA - The Ararat Rats' A grade team made light work of Wimmera Netball Association cellar dweller Minyip/Murtoa in the wet at Alexandra Oval last Saturday.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The Rats were in control from the outset, opening up a nine goal lead by quarter time.
The margin was extended to 17 goals by the main break and Rats' captain Megan Shea said her team played perfectly despite the tough conditions.
"The conditions made it a messy and scrappy game, but all the girls did really well," she said.
"The defenders worked hard to limit their goals and our aim going into the match was to stop the ball even making it into the goal circle as much as we could.
"I think we achieved that with Minyip only scoring six goals to halftime."
Ararat increased the lead at each quarter and eventually ran away 40-goal winners, 43 to 13.
Danielle Borrelli showed plenty of potential in the mid court while Tahnee Walker was on target in attack.
Shea said Jakki Gibson was named the Rats' top player for her standout performance at goal attack.
"Jakki under the conditions fed into the goals beautifully and I thought she played really well and hardly made an error," she said.
"This week we take on Horsham Saints and because we train indoors it will be good to have a week where we can also play competitively under the roof.
"We've got to use this week well and make the most of the opportunity to try out some new strategies."
B grade coach Donna Spalding said it was fantastic to see her team triumph 46 to 15 following six weeks of inconsistency.
In their first meeting against the Burras the Rats won by eight goals, with the team showing plenty of improvement the second time around to win by 31 goals.
Both Alice Laidlaw and Kara Cunningham shot well for the home team, while Lee Jackson fed the goalies with more precision.
Captain Hannah Miller was given a good 21st birthday present by receiving the Ararat Hotel best on court honours.
"Each week this girl gives 110 per cent both defensively and offensively," Spalding said.
"Considering the weather was awful all game the girls had their best game for the season."
Ararat recorded a very convincing win, 87 to 9, against Minyip/Murtoa in the 17 and unders despite the difficult conditions.
Each Rats player outplayed their opponent, however Brooke Williamson at wing attack and Tiffany Boatman at goal attack were particularly impressive. Both players were rewarded the Ararat Bakery awards.
Williamson's moves into the circle and her passing were exceptional, while Boatman provided a pivotal target in attack for the Rats.
In freezing conditions the Rats' 15 and under A team played good netball to win by 13 goals.
After a cold and shaky first quarter the Rats composed themselves and began to put into play the strategies they had worked on at training.
Emily Borrelli again led by example, playing tough defence and chasing hard after loose balls.
Rachel Fratin continued to improve, shooting accurately and combining well with Alli Lewis, while Lewis also played a solid four quarters.
"Overall it was a promising game for all of the girls as we are well into the second half of the season and looking towards finals with confidence," coach Tahnee Walker said.
The Rats' 15 and under Bs played the conditions well to defeat the Burras 27 to 14.
Coach Kira Payne said her team changed their style of play to suit the weather.
"It was a team effort by all the girls as they kept working hard until the final whistle and adapted to many changes," she said.
Lilly Hamilton received the Ararat Bakery award while Chelsea Wilson earned the Subway award.
The Rats almost pulled off a clean sweep on the courts, with the 13 and unders playing out a thrilling 28-all draw.
It wasn't the game the young Rats were expecting after defeating the Burras by 33 goals in round three.
Three new players to the visitors' lineup from the last time the two teams faced off worked in the Burras' favour, with the unfamiliar defenders putting the Rats' goalies under pressure and it was towards the end of the second quarter and during the third term Ararat struggled.
A lot of missed shots were turned over by the taller Minyip/Murtoa defenders which sent the team into attack.
To the Rats' credit they clawed their way back in the first couple of minutes of the final quarter and it was goal for goal right up until the final whistle.
Coach Megan Shea said Racquel Scott was the standout, receiving the Subway award for her determination and enthusiasm.
"She listens intently and tries so hard every time she gets the opportunity to take the court," she said.