THE Ararat Rats Netball Club celebrated its first victory against the Warrack Eagles in about five years on Saturday.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Every grade except under-13s won when they faced off against the Eagles at Alexandra Oval.
In A Grade netball it was down to the wire the whole game, with the Rats claiming a slim win of just one point.
Nonetheless, coach Taylor Mason said it was a hugely successful day for the Rats.
"All our teams except under-13s got up," she said.
"As far as A Grade goes, up by one goal - definitely had our hearts pumping at the end there but it was good to get over the line and get the four points there.
"It's the first time in five years I think that Ararat have gotten up above Warracknabeal, so that was really great."
It was an uphill slog at first, with the Rats leading the Eagles by just one point in the first quarter, 11 to 10.
By half time they had a six point lead, but by the fourth quarter the Eagles climbed back up and forced the Rats to work for a win.
The final score was 49 to 48.
The Rats will next play against Stawell, and Taylor said she was confident about the talent and strength the team can bring as they continue to train and improve.
"There's a lot to work on," she said.
"There is definitely a lot to do at training on Thursday night, but I think we're all looking really good there."
The B Grade team won 58 points to 51.
"B Grade were really successful," Taylor said.
"It's really good to know we've got that talent in that B Grade side to bring up into A Grade if we need it."
Best on court was awarded to Delaney McLoughlan and Racquel Scott.
While you're with us, you can now receive updates straight to your inbox each Friday morning from The Ararat Advertiser. To make sure you're up-to-date with all the news from across the Ararat shire, sign up here.