Ararat made it two from two to start the season with a convincing A Grade win over Stawell on Good Friday.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The Rats welcomed Krystal Fisher back into the fold for the rivalry match, entering the contest as clear favourites.
Despite the pre-game favouritism, Stawell took it up to the Rats at North Park in the first term. In a goal-for-goal quarter, Ararat led 11-9 at the first break.
They also won the second term by two goals to hold a 24-20 lead at the main break. The Warriors kept pushing in the third, edging within one goal of the visitors before Ararat fired back to extend the lead to eight.
"We were dictating the game at that point but late in the third we let that pressure go," Stawell co-coach Toni Stewart said.
The Rats stormed home with a 10 to two final term to win 46-30.
Ararat coach Taylor Mason said she was proud of her side's persistence.
"They came hard at us so I was happy with how we pushed out the whole game," she said.
"Our defence was fantastic again. Racquel Scott kept proving herself and Krystal Fisher was great in her comeback. We didn't have her last week but hopefully we can get her to play a few throughout the year.
"It's a good feeling to have two wins from two games."
Mason shot 26 goals and was listed as Ararat's best on court.
Stawell co-coach Tracey Dark said her side did things well but not for long enough.
"We are a small side so every week we will be up against bigger girls. That means our pressure and effort has to be on for the whole game and it just dropped at points," she said.
"It's pleasing to see things we have been working on play out but we need to be doing that over a full game."
Stewart said Stawell's defenders Lisa Fleming and Rachel Wood did a big job in the match.
"We felt they were doing what we asked for which was rebounds, denying space and applying plenty of pressure," she said.
"We just need that bit more confidence to impact an entire game."
Dark said playing in Stawell on Good Friday for the third year was another great opportunity.
"The weather was magnificent, there was a good crowd and there were some hotly contested games. There isn't much more you could ask for," she said.
The Rats move to the top of the Wimmera Netball Association A Grade table with their second win, while Stawell is yet to record a victory from its two matches so far this season.
The Warriors enjoy the bye next week while Ararat while travel to take on Nhill.