Rats keen to maintain momentum

Ladder leader Ararat and reigning premier Horsham Saints will clash at Coughlin Park in the Wimmera Netball Association A Grade match of the round on Saturday.

The Rats maintained their unbeaten start to 2019 with a 53-46 win against Dimboola at the weekend.

Goal attack Megan Shea was deadly in front of goals in her 500th club game, netting 18 of her 23 goal attempts to lead the Rats to victory.

Midcourter Kate Bligh was also instrumental in helping curb the influence of Dimboola centre Jodie Hayes, who was named the Roos’ best performer.

The Saints’ premiership defence appears to be back on track after a dominant 7333 triumph against Nhill. Abby Hallam’s work at goal attack helped the Saints build a 25-goal lead at halftime and cruise to the finish line.

Dimboola now faces an important test on the road against Warrack Eagles, which overcame Stawell 51-38 at the weekend behind the excellent play of goal defence Penny Fisher.

Fisher had the unenviable task of playing on in-form Stawell goalie Jemma Clarkson and was able to somewhat blunt her influence.

Clarkson and the Warriors have another tough challenge ahead against Horsham defenders Georgia Hiscock and Victoria Taylor, who were among the Demons’ best players in a 61-28 win against Southern Mallee Giants at the weekend.

Giants goalies Steph Thomson and Marnie Lehmann could only manage 12 goals in the second half, while Emma Buwalda scored freely for the Demons at the other end.

The Giants will need to regroup quicky in order to face Minyip-murtoa at Murtoa this weekend.

The Burras are coming off a bye and, with the Rats, are one of only two undefeated teams this season.

The Giants risk sliding further from finals contention with a loss, which would leave them with one win from four games.

The Burras can take top spot on the ladder with a win and an Ararat loss to Dimboola.

Bottom side Nhill has a bye.