Horsham, Ararat and Dimboola are all deadlocked at the top of the ladder after securing back-to-back wins.

The Roos, who missed out on finals last year, fought off a competitive Minyip-Murtoa side to record a 13-goal victory at Dimboola Recreation Reserve on Saturday.

Just two goals split the Roos and Burras at half-time, but a big 17-goal-to-seven third term helped the host home.

Last year’s joint 17 and under league best and fairest winner Billie-Jo Barber was sharp up forward for the Roos, scoring 30 goals, while Burras shooter Emma Huff continued her good form, converting 23 goals.

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Barber and Antoinette Toet were named the Roos’ best, while Kate Storey and Jacinta Sheridan impressed for the Burras.

Roos coach Tahlia Williams said starting the year with a pair of close wins was confidence-boosting for the side.

“We’re full of confidence at the moment and we’re playing good netball,” she said.

“It was a close match – Minyip-Murtoa was in front early, but we made some changes at half-time and pulled it together in the second half.

“A few swaps really helped us get a lot more drive – we brought Antoinette Toet on and into the goals and she shot really well.”

On Sunday, the Rats secured an equally hard-fought victory, accounting for rival Stawell by just six goals at Central Park.

Scores were tied at half-time, but the Rats held their nerve thanks to some sharp-shooting from teenager Tiffany Boatman, 33 goals, and impressive performances from wing attack Olivia West and defender Danielle Borrelli.

Goal shooter Liza Cook and goal attack Grace Bibby were the Warriors’ best, converting 28 and 16 goals respectively.

At Horsham City Oval, the Demons had another big win, beating Horsham Saints 53-21 under lights on Friday.

Georgia Duncan, 32 goals, and Steph Thomson, 21 goals, did the damage under the ring for the Demons, while Paige Lloyd also put up a strong performance.

For the Saints, Courtney Clough and Erin Mellington stood out, while Sharon Fedke converted 14 opportunities.

Warrack Eagles enjoyed their first win of the season, with goal attack Megan Werner starring against Nhill at Davis Park on Saturday.

Werner scored 44 times as the Eagles beat the Tigers 64-22.

Wing attack Petah Winsall also performed well for the Eagles, while forward Hannah McIllree, 25 goals, and defender Sarah Etherton were named the Tigers’ best.

On Saturday, Horsham Saints will chase their first win for the year against Ararat at home and Dimboola will look to continue its unbeaten streak against Warrack Eagles at Anzac Park, Warracknabeal.

Minyip-Murtoa will have its work cut out against reigning premier Horsham, while Stawell and Nhill will battle.