The men’s team put in one of their best efforts of the season, as they pushed the home team right to the end but ultimately fell short by seven points.

The Tornadoes got out to an early lead, scoring five of the first six points of the game before Ararat drew to within one point late in the first quarter.

A two-minute burst from Terang opened the lead out to eight points at quarter time.

The Redbacks created chances in the second term but whenever they drew close on the scoreboard, the home team were able to respond with points of its own.

The visitors went into the half time break trailing 22-46 and had a lot of work ahead of them if they were to get the win.

A strong third term reduced the margin by five points with a quarter to play.

A six-point final quarter from the returning Josh Fiegert was not enough for the visitors, as they scored 29 points in the final term to fall short 69-76 at the final buzzer.

Zach Dunmore continued his 2017 form in the first match of 2018, top-scoring with 20 points while Fiegert finished the match with 16.

Michael Payne top-scored for the Tornadoes with 18 points.

In the women’s match, it was the home team that won comfortably 64-47.

The Lady Redbacks started well and led for most of the first term, Delaney McLoughlan leading the way with eight points in the opening quarter.

A late flurry from the home team gave it a share of the lead with the teams locked at 12-12 at quarter time.

From that point, it was the Tornadoes who gained control of the match, dominating possession and making the most of their chances to finish winners in the round 12 match.

McLoughlan and Chloe Dunmore both finished the match with 16 points in a strong offensive display for the Lady Redbacks.

Jaymie Finch top-scored for the home team with 15 points.

Both squads will be in action again this weekend with a double header against Millicent Magic at the Ararat Fitness Centre.

The Lady Redbacks’ match will tip-off at 6pm with the men’s match to follow at 8pm.