Best, a Bridgetown Bulldogs veteran, worked hard throughout the game to lead his team to an unlikely victory.

But, as has been the way throughout the season, the Dogs were again well beaten by the finals-bound Imperials.

Final scores were Imperials 24.18 (162) to Bridgetown 10.9 (69)

Best won the toss and kicked to the northern end in warm winter conditions.

Imperials’ pacy small men, Arthur Bennell and Chris Franklin, ran the ball from the centre of the ground and sent it deep into the forward line.

Jeffrey Ryan had the tough task of matching up with Matthew Selby and did well early in the quarter.

The weight of opportunity for Imperials forwards finally told as Bennell broke through with the first goal of the match.

Best worked a long way up the ground for possessions.

Luke Fredricks marked strongly and gave forwards opportunities to goal however these were squandered. Imperials rebounded. building a 27- point lead at the first break.

Kym Mohylenkos dominated the ruck for the home team, providing opportunities for onballers to clear the centre and provide eager forwards with a number of good opportunities.

Imperials’ pressure on Bulldogs defenders was relentless. Bridgetown had no opportunity to clear its defensive zone.

Bridgetown wasted its few goal few opportunities and was forced wide into the pockets making easy scoring difficult.

Rourke Walsh finally broke through for the visitors but this goal was quickly matched by the home team.

With further goals to Kalleske and Selby, the Magpies worked their way to a 35-point lead at the long break.

The first two centre bounces of the second half resulted in two goals to the Magpie but the third term was still Bridgetown’s best for the match.

Matt Tassoss scored twice and Glenn Cahill added to his goals tally as Bridgetown became competitive and matched iat more fancied rivals.

Imperials had lapses of concentration throughout the term as Bridgetown worked hard, winning the ball at ground level and running harder to provide options for their team mates.

A settling goal to Kalleske saw the home team settle and restore its 40- point lead at the final break.

Imperials’ small men ran riot in the final term as Bridgetown’s resistance final broke. The Magpies kicked goals at will, They ran out comfortable winners in an easy preparation for the final series beginning next week.

The Bulldogs’ long season finally came to an end.