The Rats put a stop to their A Grade losing run at two with a hard-fought win over Warrack Eagles on Saturday afternoon.
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Conditions were no kinder at Warracknabeal than they were across the rest of the region, with persistent rain making things difficult for netballers on the outdoor court.
The Rats took home the four points with a slender one-goal win when the sides last met in round one, and as the match got underway, another close one looked to be on the cards.
The visitors took a one-goal lead into the first term break but trailed by the same margin at half-time.
Rats coach Taylor Mason said the wet conditions had a big impact on how the game was played.
"Neither side played to their best ability. We both had to slow our games down a lot," she said.
"We couldn't play our run on game and had to play shorter netball with no big passes."
The Eagles maintained their one-goal lead heading into the final term, but it proved too small of a margin.
Ararat stormed home with a 10-6 final quarter to finish ahead 31-28.
"At three-quarter-time I got the girls to think about our finals and realise if we dropped that game, we could have dropped out of the top five," Mason said.
"It is great to be a part of a competition so strong and even, but that means there are a few sides out of the five who could easily take your spot."
Mason said things "just started to work" in that final term.
"Delaney McLoughlin stepped up in the last quarter (eight goals, 26 for the match). At her best, I believe no defender in the league can stop her," she said.
"Krystal Fisher was outstanding in defence, and Jess Williamson really stood up in the mid-court."
The Rats are now two games clear in third spot while the Eagles slump to fifth.
"It was a must win for us coming off the back of two losses," Mason said.
"We played two strong sides in those games but knew we needed to step it up.
"We worked hard at training which has paid off. We are now in a good spot, but our percentage isn't great (101 per cent), so we need to try and boost that in the next few weeks."
Elsewhere, Minyip-Murtoa defeated the reigning premiers, Horsham Saints, for the second time of the season.
Sheridan Petering, moved to goal attack, was the Burras' best in the 62-46 win.
Stawell, meanwhile, saw off the Southern Mallee Giants 47-30 to claim a second win of the season.
Dimboola defeated Nhill 78-47 in round ten's other clash, with Olivia Jorgensen named the Roos' best.
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