Cougars leave door open but get job done against Imperials

Kojonup have won their first game of the year after taking on a formidable Imperials side on Saturday. The two sides came bursting out the gates to get on the scoreboard early, with the Imperials sitting just one point behind at the first break. However, the Cougars were unsatisfied with their margin after quarter-time, pulling their socks up and piling on four goals for a 30-point lead heading into half-time. After a thrilling come-from-behind winner against the Southerners last week, the Imperials knew they could fight their way back with another half to play. Desperate not to let the Cougars keep their momentum rolling, the Imperials dug deep to kick another five majors to Kojonup’s two for the quarter, setting up a do-or-die final term. In the end the Cougars were able to keep the ball locked in their half for the majority of the last quarter to have another 10 shots on goal to the Imperials four. Although Kojonup did give the Imperials the chance to stay in the game with some inaccurate kicking, finishing with 16 behinds for the day, they still came out on top 106-75. The Imperials reserves side also had issues with accuracy in front of goal earlier in the day, kicking 21 behinds in their 99-41 win over the Cougars. The Imperials will now host the Tigers at home for the Johnson Cup this Saturday, while Kojonup have a bye before travelling to Bridgetown to take on the Bulldogs in round six.