The visitors started the game with a flurry, netting 19 goals in the opening term, led by Briodi McKenzie’s dominance in goals to take an 11-goal lead into the first break.

It was a more balanced effort from the home team in the second term, as the Rats were able to tighten up defensively to hold Warrack to 12 goals for the term to go into half time trailing 20-31.

A 10-goal third term from Rats goalie Laney McLoughlan was not enough to edge the home team closer, as the deficit grew to 13 goals at the final break.

The Rats were unable to close the gap, losing 46-60.

McLoughlan led the scoring for Ararat, finishing with 31 goals, shooting at 94 per cent.

Racquel Scott and Jess Williamson were named the Rats’ best in the round five loss.

Ararat will face the Burras in round six.