ARARAT'S near flawless performance on the football field was almost replicated on the netball court with all but one grade tasting victory in last Saturday's Wimmera Netball Association clashes with Nhill.
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The A grade result was by far the most convincing, as the Rats dominated from the outset to prevail 76-32 at full time.
Coach Rebecca Skrabl said with Megan Shea absent from the team Tahnee Walker stepped into goals to assist Jacki Gibson.
"Tahnee has been playing well in defence all season but with Megan unavailable she combined well with Jacki to fill the key playing position," she said.
Young Rat Danielle Borelli also stepped in to cover for Skrabl after she herself left the court at half time and took no further part in the clash due to an ongoing calf concern.
"Dani has played wing defence for most of the year but with Tahnee in goals we needed her to step into goal defence to replace myself," she said.
"I thought she adjusted to playing there in the third quarter and gave her best shot in the final term, that is something we reward."
Despite the score line showing a clear and decisive result Ararat's way Skrabl said something was missing from the playing group.
"I thought we were a bit flat to be honest, in the last month we have had injury and illness sweep through the side so that has really knocked us about," she said.
"It was very quiet on the court, we'll be working to lift our intensity and I would like to see a bit more enthusiasm from the girls in the next couple of weeks."
Skrabl said with efforts to redeem themselves and a full team on the cards the immediate future was looking bright.
"Hopefully we can keep trying different combinations out as we look ahead to finals," she said.
Ararat has locked in second spot on the association ladder, but it faces one last hurdle in the form of arch-rival Stawell.
"It looks like we're probably going to come in at second, but that in itself is a good result," she said.
"Some would prefer the benefit of finishing first and having a week off but I'll be glad to see us play all the way through to get a little bit of extra match practice."
Skrabl said she believed the Rats were hitting their peak when they last met Stawell, on that occasion they won by about 50 goals.
"We always like to beat Stawell and although we know they are rebuilding, we don't underestimate them for a second," she said.
Ararat was 33 goal winners against Nhill in the B grade clash.
Similar to A grade the Rats dominated from the beginning of the match and never looked like dropping their lead which grew from six goals at quarter time to 13 at the main break.
The disparity between the two teams grew again in the third term as Ararat shot 20 goals to Nhill's nine.
Nothing changed in the last as the Rats ran out winners 61-28 at the final whistle.
Zara Thompson (30) and Alice Laidlaw (31) with the team's tally of 61 goals between them were awarded best on court for Ararat.
In the 17 and under a comprehensive four quarter performance by Ararat was enough to get them the 48 to 35 result.
Rats, including best on court Lucy Mills and Alex Antonio worked tirelessly to cause Nhill to turn the ball over.
Mills dominated in the centre of the court with her creative passing and consistent pressure causing headaches for her opposition.
Antonio was a solid contributor taking numerous intercepts and defensive rebounds giving the team's goalies extra opportunities.
The result is even more significant as they head towards the business end of the season.
It was a slow start but Ararat managed to overcome Nhill in the 15 and under A grade competition.
Both teams were unable to reach double figures in the first quarter.
Ararat made many changes throughout the game, the girls responded, stepping up and working well with the constant change of positions.
The contribution of Chelsea Wilson driving the ball down the court and Angie Stoneman's rebounds really made a difference.
Rachel Fratin was also named among the best on court for her accurate shooting and rebounding which gave Ararat the nine goal (30-21) win.
In the 15 and under B grade Ararat fell just short of win, going down to Nhill 23-25.
After a four week break it was evident the girls had a few cobwebs to blow away.
Ararat started the game strongly thanks to the efforts of best on court Emily May and Ella Carlyle who went on to play a tight and consistent four quarters of netball.
The duo was ably supported by another best on court, Dannielle Spalding in wing defence.
Nhill gained the ascendancy in the third quarter, however, the youth composure enabled them to come within two goals in the last quarter.
Ararat managed to double the score (26-13) of its Nhill opponents in the 13 and under division.
The youngest of the Rats went into the game under pressure knowing they had to win to make finals.
All of the girls were positive and encouraged each other
Katelin McDonald was on song at goal defence and provided a much needed option through the centre to steady the play on many occasions.
Jesse Bligh ran well in the centre and has been working hard to shut down her opponent.
