The Horsham Demons proved too strong for Ararat in a battle between second and fourth to win 59-37.

Demons coach Pauline Butler said her side had been focused on how it reacted to changing combinations.

“The way the girls adapted to some outs and were able to respond to those changes was most pleasing,” she said. 

“It shows the confidence they have in each other at the moment that we are able to adjust pretty quickly.”

It looked as though the sides were in for another tight contest during the first quarter having drawn earlier in the season.

The home team held just a narrow two-goal lead at the first break but was able to extend it to 10 goals by half time.

The Rats were able to stem the flow of goals during the third quarter, but still trailed by 11 at the final break.

“I think the third quarter was our ordinary quarter to a degree,” Butler said.

“I think we relaxed a little bit and stopped doing the things we normally do well because we had that lead.

“There was some more readjustment to do in the fourth quarter as we improved again.”

A 19-8 fourth quarter resulted in the Demons doubling their lead by the final whistle.

“It was really a team effort to get the win,” Butler said.

“Emma Buwalda and Elley Heard worked well as a combination in attack, our midcourt provided a lot of drive and our defensive end put on a lot of pressure to cause intercepts and turnovers.”

Elsewhere Warrack Eagles, Horsham Saints and Dimboola all won by in excess of 30 goals after entering round 16 as firm favourites.

Warrack Eagles had no trouble coming off the bye to overpower Stawell 68-24. The home side established a 10-goal lead in the first quarter and built on it throughout the contest.

Emma Koschitzke worked hard through the midcourt while Penny Fisher ensure Stawell found it difficult to create opportunities in the circle.

Horsham Saints continued to grow in confidence with another strong attacking performance in a 77-42 win against the Southern Mallee Giants.

The Saints came into the game on the back of scoring more than 80 goals in the each of the previous three rounds and the side was able to score at ease once again.

Maggie Caris shot 57 goals in a best on court performance and Ash Grace was a standout at centre.

Nhill look set to challenge Dimboola early before the Roos were able to get on top through the final three quarters.

Six goals separated the sides at quarter time and from then on Dimboola controlled its home court to eventually win 62-32.

Playing-coach Jodie Hayes was best on court for the Roos and Carly Werner played an important role through the defensive third.