Sport
15 May, 2025
Rats enjoy another massive victory
The Ararat Rats comprehensively defeated the Warrack Eagles by 103 points at Anzac Park in Warracknabeal in round four of the Wimmera Football Netball League.
The Rats didn’t have it their own way early in the game with the Eagles pressuring the Rats and not letting them move the ball as well, but the Rats eventually found their way, leading by 26 points at quarter-time before extending the margin to 30 at half-time.
After half-time, the Rats started to play the football they are renowned for, and a four-to-one goal quarter saw them extend the lead to 50 points at three-quarter-time.
The Rats then ran all over the Eagles in the last quarter having 15 scoring shots on goal for nine majors to run out 19.20.134 to 4.7.31 winners.
Tom Williamson, back fresh following calf soreness kicked six goals while Jack Ganley kicked four. Jacob Bates and Alex Van Postal kicked two apiece and Sonny Kettle,
Naish McRoberts, Jake Robinson, Matthew Spalding and Ben Taylor also hit the scoreboard.
Rats co-coach Tom Mills described how they combatted the Eagles' pressure in the first half.
“Early on their pressure was good and they filled the ground out well so we couldn’t move it easy forward and our skills weren’t great,” Mills said.
“We had to slow the game down and when we took our marks, we took time to assess things and go from there.
“The boys responded well, and we were able to get the game on our terms, especially in the last quarter.”
Ben Taylor was best on the ground, and influential through the midfield, Baydn Cosgriff did a solid job on Kyle Cheney and Brayden Draffin was also good down back.
Matthew Spalding, Jake Robinson and Luke Spalding were also among the best players.
“Ben Taylor finished the game off well and his fitness showed in the last and our backs made it hard for their forwards,” Mills said.
The Rats have a few key injuries with Tom Mills, Jim Jennings, Adam Haslett, Flynn Toner and Liam Arnott out of the side.
James Hosking and Xavier McLoughlan are two of the players who have filled in from the reserves and are starring in the seniors.
“James has been good, and he does his job as a defender and you know what you will get from him every time as you can put him down there and trust him,” Mills said.
“Xavier is versatile and can play forward, back or wing and always does his job and is pleasing to have in the team.”
On Saturday, the Rats host the Southern Mallee Thunder who have started to hit their straps following a comfortable 43-point win over Minyip Murtoa.
Kai Sheers is fresh off a four-goal performance, following a three-goal performance in round one and is a dangerous player that the Rats need to cover.
Brothers, Brad and Jarrod Spokes are new faces that have come in from the Northern Territory and have added to the Thunder’s midfield.
Tom Mills said they have looked at the video and know what to expect.
“Henry Shea is versatile and can play on small players and tall players, so he may be a good matchup, but that is something we will look at closer to game time,” Mills said.
“They have some good footballers in their lineup, and we have reviewed the footage and know what we need to do.”
Jim Jennings should return to the team while Tom Mills could be another week away.
RATS NETBALLERS GRIND OUT TOUGH WIN
Ararat A-grade netballers have won their second game of the season, defeating the Warrack Eagles by six goals at Anzac Park in Warracknabeal in round four of the Wimmera Football Netball League on Saturday, May 10.
The game was tight early, with both teams fighting hard and pressuring each other, but the Rats took a three-goal lead into quarter-time.
The Rats started to get on top in the second applying plenty of pressure as they took an eight-goal lead into the main break.
The game was more free-flowing in the third quarter with both teams making their shots, with 27 goals scored, and the Rats took a seven-goal lead into three-quarter-time.
The Eagles fought valiantly in the last, but the Rats were too strong, holding on to that margin to win 49-43.
Maggie Astbury was sensational in attack, shooting 30 goals while Laney McLoughlan scored 19. Faith Biddle was brilliant in goal defense.
Rats coach, Sally Noble said it was a tough match and that she is proud of the girls for their composure in the last quarter when the Eagles came out hard.
“The Eagles at home were looking for that win, and they came in hard and fast, and my message to the girls at the last break was to play our own game,” Noble said.
“We get excited when being in front, and sometimes you can get too excited and it causes turnovers, so they were able to settle, keep the ball safe, and play the game on our terms, and it got us over the line in the end.”
Recruits Maggie Astbury and Faith Biddle were instrumental in the win. Astbury has now scored 107 goals in four games and is finding her feet and Biddle is sensational in defense and can provide versatility.
“Maggie has settled in well. In her first game, she was a bit anxious, but she is on a roll now and has found her place and her accuracy is on point, and she goes in for the rebounds and is a gem,” Noble said.
“Faith is very diverse and can play either end.
“She was always a defender and then the Ararat Eagles put her into goals, and she was natural at it, and it’s great to see that diversity she brings each week.
On Saturday the Rats host second-placed Southern Mallee Thunder who are currently unbeaten.
Thunder coach Steph Thomson is on fire in attack, scoring 96 goals in three games and is fresh off a 42-goal game against Minyip Murtoa. Faith and Paige Biddle will have a massive task.
Noble is excited to see how they go against one of the better teams in the competition and has reminded the girls not to get too excited.
“Off the back of a win, it’s important not to get ahead of yourself, so the message is to go back for the same thing – the basics of the game,” Noble said.
“We need to play our own game and play our pace and hopefully we come out with another win.”