Wind played a crutial part in the game, the Demons kicking with the wind in the first quarter.

Securing four goals at the scoring end, the Rats were able to get on the board with a single goal.

Demons defence stood tall in the second, the Rats not scoring despite having the breeze behind them.

The Rats went into the last 30 points down and made a gallant effort to close the gap.

With three minutes to go, the Rats were able to get a run of goals and closed the margin back to nine points.

It was a final goal by the Demons which sealed the game with just under two minutest to go.

Final score, Horsham 9.2 (56) to Ararat 6.4 (40).

Horsham Demons Luca Geue was named best on ground.

Horsham coach Brett Janetski said it was a great feeling to get the win, after a year of ups and downs.

"We've had some injuries but we've mananged to get stronger and stronger as the season went on," he said.

"We believed in ourselves today and played as a team.

"We will enjoy this over the weekend."

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