The Rats headed up the highway to City Oval, but when the moment arrived the young squad couldn't capitalise.

In the end the Rats were defeated 17.5 (107) to 9.10 (64), but the day held much more promise at half-time.

Horsham jumped out to strong start, piling on five goals to one in the opening term to lead by 21 points at the first change.

But the Rats responded, reversing their fortunes and kicking five goals to one in the second quarter to hold a four-point lead at half-time.

After the main change the Rats faltered slightly in the third term, losing their lead to fall 13 points down with one quarter left.

But with their finals chances on the line, the Rats couldn't respond, conceding six goals in last quarter to fall 43 points short, despite earning just three fewer scoring shots than the Demons.

Baydn Cosgriff turned in one of his best performances of the season, leading the way for the Rats, while Tom Mills and Henry Shea gave their all.

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Up forward for the Rats there was a spread of goal kickers with Corey Taylor, Ben Boatman, Nicholas Oliver and Tom Mills all adding two goals each to the scoreboard.

On the court, the Rats were outclassed by a Horsham Demons squad which is proving to be a formidable opponent in 2021.

The Demons did the damage in the first quarter, racing to a 15-6 lead before controlling the game for the remainder of the day.

The Demons also saved their best for last as they turned on a clinical quarter of netball , winning the final term 19-9 to complete a comprehensive 64-36 win over the Rats.

For the Rats, defender Brooke Currie was determined all day, while mid-courter Monique Scott worked hard to attack and defend the court, with both players being named the Rats' best.

Despite a day of missed opportunities and disappointment the Rats will be out to shake up the WFNL finals order when they host Dimboola in round 13 action.

Dimboola sit third on the ladder in the WFNL netball competition, four spots ahead of Ararat, but last time the two squads met it was a tight finish.

When the Rats travelled to Dimboola in round four, they fell just four goals short of the win, going down 34-30.

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But with Brooke Currie back in the squad and a home court advantage, the Rats will fancy their chances of staging an upset.

It is a similar story on the football field, with the Rats out to spoil the finals plans of the Roos.

After a quick start to the season, Dimboola have slipped back to the pack with each win vital as they hope to hold onto their top five spot.

Last time the two sides met Baydn Cosgriff was influential for the Rats, who were more than competitive as they went down by just 24 points.

But on the expanses of Alexandra Oval, the Rats will be looking to use their youth, skill and speed to upset the Roos' charge toward September this time around.

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