Sport
27 August, 2025
Youthful Rats secure strong win on eve of finals
Ararat head into the finals buoyed with confidence following a strong 19-goal win over Nhill at Alexandra Oval in round 18 of the Wimmera Football Netball League.
Missing Paige Biddle and Jessica Taylor from their lineup, the Rats relied more on the youngsters, with Nevani Woods making her A-grade debut, playing at wing defence.
The Rats were ferocious in the first quarter, taking a six-goal lead into quarter-time. Demi Bligh and Faith Biddle were outstanding in defence, holding the Nhill goalies at bay, as the Rats extended that margin to 14 at half-time.
Nhill came out hard in the third quarter, reducing the deficit to 11 goals at three-quarter time.
The Rats were too good in the last, scoring 18 goals to 10 to run out 55-36 winners.
Maggie Astbury was outstanding in attack with 29 goals, while Laney McLoughlan scored 26.
Annie Shea did some strong work in the centre, while Monique Scott was at her brilliant best. Evie Harrington was great in defence when she came on in the second half, while Nevani Woods made a great debut, creating a lot of pressure at wing defence.
The Rats now face the Southern Mallee Thunder on Sunday in Nhill. The Elimination final sets up to be a cracker, with good contests between the clubs in both times they have played this season.
In round five at Alexandra Oval, Ararat won by nine goals, while in round 14, it was the Thunder getting the better of the Rats at Jeparit, winning a thriller by three goals.
The Rats will be hoping Paige Biddle overcomes her ankle injury and that Tash Noble is 100% fit.
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