Sides ready for blockbuster replay
Ablockbuster Anzac Day grand final rematch between Horsham Saints and Horsham looms at Horsham City Oval tomorrow.
The Saints claimed their second successive Wimmera association premiership with a thrilling one-goal victory against the Demons in last season’s grand final, but were put to the sword by Minyip-murtoa in round one.
The Saints will be rested for the clash after a week off for Easter, while the Demons are yet to play in 2019 after a round-one bye.
In the only match played at the weekend, Ararat overcame a spirited Stawell outfit 46-30 on Good Friday to claim top spot on the ladder.
The Rats entered the game as favourites but found the Warriors were up for the challenge in front of a big crowd at Stawell’s North Park.
Only two goals separated the sides at quarter-time and the Rats led by four at the main break.
The Warriors kept pushing in the third term but were eventually overwhelmed, with Ararat playing coach Taylor Mason netting nine of her team-high 26 goals during the quarter.
Mason and goal defence Racquel Scott were Ararat’s best players, Scott holding dangerous Stawell goal attack Jemma Clarkson to 12 goals for the game.
Warriors defenders Rachel Wood and Lisa Flemming’s tireless efforts kept their side in the game during the first half.
Ararat will take plenty of confidence from the win when it takes on Nhill at the weekend.
The Tigers were blown away by Dimboola in round one and must regroup quickly if they want to avoid a similar fate against the Rats.
Dimboola, meanwhile, will host Minyip-murtoa in a jostle for early top-five positioning.
Both teams will draw on big round-one wins, and will look at Saturday’s clash as an excellent opportunity to make a statement.
Warrack Eagles lost by a goal to Ararat in round one and will have their work cut out against Southern Mallee Giants.
The Giants won only three games last season but had an encouraging 13-goal win against Stawell to open their account in round one this year.
It is another game that both sides will see as winnable and should provide early insight into the state of the competition.
Stawell has the bye this round.