Imperials sneak a win over Bridgetown

Despite giving their best performance on Manjimup Oval for some time, the Bridgetown Bulldogs fell agonisingly short of a victory against Imperials on Sunday in round 9 of the Lower South West Football League.

In wet windy conditions, the undermanned Bulldogs looked on-track for a wonderful celebration, however a costly defensive error in the dying seconds handed Imperials master forward Chris Franklin a chance to lead his side to victory and in his normal cool manner, the silky goal-sneak delivered with aplomb guiding the ball through the middle for a two-point win 6.19 (55) to 8.5 (53).

The Magpies controlled the midfield with precision in the early stages as Austin Styles, Daniel Mcginlay and Ryan King dominated proceedings. The only negative for the home side was they could not find goals, producing a wasteful seven-point return.

The Bulldogs were clearly struggling in the ruck, however makeshift follower Dylan McKay evened the rucking duels, allowing his side to run forward to post much-needed scores.

Jordan Jupp, Jack Wharton and Morgan Price became more prominent and when Rod Jetta landed a late goal, the visitors had clawed their way back into the contest.

The Magpies continued to be wasteful up forward, however Mitch Daube, Styles, Mcginlay and Jack Armstrong held firm.

With some tenacity the Bulldogs fired up in the third term, producing an inspirational brand of wet weather football to completely take charge with five unanswered goals to have the Magpies on the ropes.

In a ripping final term the Magpies constantly attacked only to register a run of points, however, despite the gutsy Bulldog display, the Magpies’ Franklin stood tall to slot the winning goal to end a sensational game of football.