The Tigers controlled the game after half-time to win 20.14 (134) to 12.10 (82).

Coach Alan Bennett said the most pleasing aspect of the win was how his side managed to limit Ararat’s opportunities in the second half.

“Our first halves have been solid and it had been our second halves that have let us down,” he said.

Straight kicking kept Ararat in the contest in the first quarter but the side was off target in the second quarter as opportunities went begging. At half-time, Nhill led by 13-points.

“Ararat had a bit of a run on toward the end of the second but we were lucky it was just before the break,” Bennett said.

The Tigers midfield, led by Jake Harrap and Billy Hayes, clamped down around the contests.

“Jack Ganley had started to collect a bit of the ball through the midfield for Ararat but we limited his influence in the second half,” Bennett said.

“Young Tom Mills was also a handful at centre-half-forward.

“For a big player, he is also very quick, but we were able to limit supply to him as the game went on.”

Mills kicked five goals for the visitors in the loss.

Ryan Richardson bagged six for Nhill while Harrap and Brad Thompson slotted four each.