The Rats are equal on eight points with the Warrack Eagles, however Ararat's 30-point loss to the Demons saw their percentage move above the Eagles' following their 80-point thrashing at the hands of Minyip/Murtoa.

The key for the Will Bell-coached Rats is to now remain in the five, with the side to be tested against the Burras tomorrow.

Last Saturday, Ararat got away to a solid start and was able to match it with Horsham during the first term.

Taine Pearse and Fraser Heard attacked the ball hard from the opening bounce, while further up the ground Leo Bell and Josh Driscoll were able to convert, seeing the Rats trail by just three points at quarter time.

The Demons used their bigger bodies to advantage as heavy rain hit Alexandra Oval, which allowed the visitors to extend their buffer to 17 points by the main break.

Corey Bell continued to work hard through the midfield for Ararat and fed runners including Pat Bell and Tom Mills, however the Rats' inaccuracy cost them the chance to remain in touch.

The Demons were held goalless in the final quarter, while Aaron Searle kicked a major to reduce the deficit slightly by the final siren, although the damage had already been done with Horsham claiming victory 8.14 (62) to 4.8 (32).

Ararat's under 17s also moved up on the ladder following a three goal win.

It was an error ridden opening quarter, with neither side kicking a goal the Rats booting nine consecutive behinds for the term.

Angus Hamilton helped get things back on track for his team after the first break, combining well with Logan North and Declan Roberts.

Ararat's nine point halftime lead had been reduced to four by three-quarter time, however with the run and carry of Ben Boatman and Grady Slocombe the home side was able to break away again in the fourth term.

The Rats eventually recorded a 7.13 (55) to 4.13 (37) win.

The first quarter of the under 14 match was vastly different to the under 17s, with Ararat not missing a beat to kick six straight goals and take a 35-point lead into the first break.

Baydn Cosgriff, Cody Lindsay and Rhiley McKinnis led from the front, while Ned Bohner (four goals) and Dylan Woods (two) were also in good form.

The match was all but over by halftime, with the Rats holding a 57-point buffer and the side continued to work hard in the second half to maintain that gap.

Aedan Roberts rounded out the top six contributors in the 11.8 (74) to 2.2 (14) win.