ARARAT maintained its perfect start to the year with a high-scoring 19-point win against Minyip-Murtoa at home on Saturday.

The Burras led at quarter and half-time, but the Rats turned the tables with a seven-goal-to-four third term before running out 20.9 (129) to 17.8 (110) victors.

Rats coach David Hosking said his side was outplayed in the first half, but responded well in the second.

“There was a little bit of back and forth, but I thought they outplayed us in the first half and you could almost say they were beating us at our own game a little bit,” he said.

“We had to apply more pressure – we weren’t applying enough pressure on them when they had it – and that got us back in the game.”

Hosking praised the efforts of ruckman Zach Louder on Burras opponent Kieran Delahunty, with the young Rat helping give his side first use of the ball in the second half.

Centre-half-back Brady Miller stood tall for the host, as did forward Harry Ganley and wingman Jack Ganley.

Rats full-forward Liam Cavanagh slotted five majors, with five team-mates also contributing multiple goals.

The Rats have already equalled their win tally from last year, but Hosking said the side needed to continue its improvement.

“We are very pleased with the start to the year – obviously you can’t ask for any better than that,” he said.

“We’ve played some good sides and we’ve beaten them, but having said that we need to continue to improve because the other teams will.”

The Burras have now suffered consecutive defeats – by a combined 23 points – after opening their season with successive wins.

Midfielder Kirsten Hunter, four goals, Brayden Ison, three goals, and Angus Trethowan, three goals, were all named among the team’s best, while Clint Midgley also booted four majors. Dan Clark made his senior debut.

Burras coach Scott Arnold said his side was disappointed not to come away with the win.

“It was a high-quality game – we worked really hard but we coughed up some soft goals to be fair,” he said.

“They kicked the first goal of the last quarter and we kicked the next three to get in front mid-way through the last quarter.

“We had a bloke sent off and they got two goals from 50-metre penalties, which made a difference in the end.”