HORSHAM Saints edged out Ararat in a nailbiting A grade Wimmera Netball Association contest at Alexandra Oval on Saturday.
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Saints led by three goals at the main break, before the Rats fought back to reduce the margin to just one at three quarter time. The teams went goal-for-goal in the final term, with the Saints scoring in the final minute and they clung on to record a 35-34 victory.
Ararat caretaker coach, Rebecca Skrabl, said it was a slow start that saw the Rats trail 8-5 at first break.
"The second and third quarters were our best,” Skrabl, who was filling in for Jess Brady, said.
The Rats stand-in coach said the Saints picked up their momentum in the final term.
“We struggled to get the ball out of defence,” Skrabl said.
“But it was definitely nice to push them and put them in a pressure situation.”
First year senior goalie, Maddi Batchelor fired 24 of the Rats’ 34 goals and was named their top player for the match.
“Maddi really stepped up, which was good to see,” Skrabl said.
Jess Williamson was again solid in wing attack, providing plenty of drive in the wing.
There have been a few changes to the Rats’ squad in 2016, and Skrabl said every game so far has been a step forward.
“We’re getting there,” she said.
“We’ll be expecting big things in the second half of the season.”
Horsham Saints coach, Kylie Breuer, also praised Ararat, who did push the Saints in their round five encounter.
“They are very fast, young side and you’ve got to give some credit to the girls who have stepped down and are teaching the younger ones, particularly in B grade,” Breuer said.
“You’ve got Megan Shea and Jodie Hendy playing B grade and they’re teaching the girls so much on the court.
“If the Rats continue to have that coaching and are able to rebuild, they will be a force in the future.”
Ararat’s B grade team remains on top of the ladder following a 58-41 win against Horsham Saints.
The Rats started the match off well with Jodie Hendy providing plenty of drive into the attacking end. Hendy worked hard all game and was named the Rats’ best player.
At the other end of the court, Bridie Strafehl played a good game in defence. She combined well with her teammates and got her hands on a lot of the ball to receive second best.
Ararat faced a tough encounter against C grade ladder leaders Horsham Saints.
Horsham Saints led from the first whistle, however Ararat fought right to the end.
Clarice Margetts came on as goal keeper, making an instant impact. She got her hands to plenty of the ball and earned herself best on court honours.
This game provided an opportunity to try out different combinations, which saw Breeanne Fratin move into goal shooter. She moved superbly, using her speed and attacking skills to create space.
Fratin received the Fred and Bet’s award for her effort.