The Rats currently sit a game and a half outside the top five and have the best chance of closing that gap this weekend against the Eagles in fifth place, although the side is going to have to bounce back from a thumping at the hands of the Horsham Demons last round.

The ladder leaders completely outplayed the Rats at Alexandra Oval, turning a six goal quarter time lead into a 14-goal advantage by the main break.

Brooke Williamson had a strong opening half, while Alice Laidlaw led the scoring.

Ararat was unable to close the margin in the third and fourth quarters, despite the best efforts from centre court players Jessie Shalders and Hannah Miller.

The lead had blown out to 31 goals by the final whistle — 65 to 34.

It was a very impressive four quarter effort from the Rats in the 17 and unders, but the home side ultimately fell short by six goals to go down 30 to 36.

Alex Antonio created numerous scoring opportunities through her pressure which forced Horsham turnovers, while her ability to read the play and take intercepts was also a highlight.

Jacqui Scott was another reliable contributor at wing attack and her creative passing and hard running through the midcourt was important throughout the contest.

While the team was unable to take the points, coach Lisa Antonio believes an upset victory over one of the top three sides isn’t far away and could possibly come to fruition against ladder leaders the Warrack Eagles tomorrow.

Ararat’s 15 and under A team trailed by just one goal at quarter time of its clash against the Demons following a strong start to the match.

The second term saw the Demons apply pressure all the way down the court, making it hard for the Rats to penetrate into their attacking end, resulting in the team falling behind by five goals at halftime.

Alison Lewis’ passes were a standout in the third quarter, while Rachael Fratin played her role well in the attacking circle to finish with 18 goals.

Angie Stoneman continued to work hard in defence during the fourth term but it wasn’t enough as the Demons ran away with the win 39 to 26.

A terrific 18-goal victory has seen the Rats’ 15 and under B team move to top spot on the Wimmera ladder.

Last time the two teams met, Horsham won the contest by 16 goals, however the young Rats had been working hard at training and benefitted immensely from working closely with A grade coach Rebecca Skrabl and former Wimmera representative and Ararat player Kira Payne on their defensive game.

This resulted in the Rats’ defenders Ella Carlyle and Emily May taking vital rebounds against the Demons, while attacking players Lilly Sewell and Indie Calvert were very strong and consistent.

Coach Megan Shea praised the team effort put in by her players in the 38 to 20 win.

Ararat’s 13 and unders faced a very strong Horsham side and while a few different combinations were thrown into play which seemed to work, the Rats were no match for the competition’s benchmark.

Olivia Carr defended beautifully and blocked her player out for rebounds, while Sam Briggs was moved from attack to defence and worked well in both positions.

Danielle Segedinski returned from injury and also provided options in attack.

The 40 to 12 loss was an improvement on the last time the Rats faced the Demons, but the side still has plenty of work to do as they approach finals.