Rats and Warriors set for netball start

First-round results have a habit of making or breaking club netball plans for an overall season.

And it’s that type of scenario that is sure to drive Ararat and Stawell teams preparing for a ripper A Grade season opener in Wimmera association on Friday.

Expectations between the arch rivals are high for the Good Friday contest on the courts at Alexandra Oval, with both sides attempting to rekindle reputations as competition powerhouses.

Their respective coaches will drive much of what will happen in both camps.

Highly decorated Ararat netball leader Donna Spalding, in the coalface when the Rats were a dominating force in the past, will no doubt demand high standards from her charges.

Spalding almost bleeds white as well as red as an Ararat stalwart and is sure to pass on a strong message of dedication and respect for the colours.

Kelly Cosson for the Warriors meanwhile, has had a summer to reassess where her group stands after a tough 2017.

She will also surely call for an intense approach with a solid mix of experience and youth in her group this year.

The truth is, the Rats and Warriors, through natural attrition and progression, player movements and recruiting, are likely to shape up differently this year to last.

But the one aspect of Friday’s big game that netball fans can expect is that both sides will attack the ball strongly and play with plenty of passion.

Which side holds its nerve the best as they blow out the cobwebs will win the game.

There are all sorts of psychological advantages and bragging rights as well as winning points up for grabs in battles of the Great Divide.

Few victories for either side are sweeter than against each other.

Players will take the court for the A Grade encounter at 3.30pm.

Netball games between Ararat and Stawell are part of a big weekend of Easter activities across the region.