A STRONG opening lead has given the Ararat Rats A grade side a boost as it goes into the final end of the season.
The side faced the Southern Mallee Giants in Beulah for the Wimmera League's round 15. The side ran ahead in the first quarter and got up a strong lead.
Read more: Giants outpace fighting Rats
"We definitely had a strong start which is something we've been trying to work on as the season's gone through," coach Taylor Mason said.
"I think at the start it was seven to zero and we finished the quarter 20 to six so I think that's what helped.
"I think every team knows how hard it is playing catch up netball.
"I don't think it was what we expected.
"We definitely expected to be going in having a really hard game but from the get go I think they were a bit slow off the mark, which definitely played off."
The side went in and said the match didn't play out quite as expected.
Read more: Heavy losses prompt mercy rule discussion
"The game didn't go the way we expected," Mason said.
"We were a little bit depleted, as we have been all year, but this time we managed to overcome that and play one of the best games we've played all year, which was fantastic.
"I've said it before but I think it's a massive credit to our team they way they can adapt week in week out with the girls we've had.
"Each week we've had girls in different positions that they may not have played before, but they are taking it in their stride.
"But we're still all going strong which is great."
Mason said the team is aiming to finish the season within the top three, and it currently sits on third rung of the ladder.
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