By Brendan Shakes

Ramblers have again shown why they are the team to beat as they demolished Imperials by 52 points at Mypolonga Oval.

Kicking with a slight breeze in the opening term, Ramblers blitzed the Blues with three unanswered goals in the first quarter.

Trent Paech booted the first goal of the match after the ball traveled from one end to the other.

The Roosters were keen on having next week off as they came out firing with their bigger bodies beginning to become a difference.

One of them was Clint Girardi and his two goals helped his side to a three goal lead at quarter time.

The second term was evenly fought with Imperials trying to run the Roosters off their feet.

Imperials ruckman Josh Charles was dominant around the grounds as he was the Blues dominant player.

Charles was doing as much as he could but Ramblers simply had too many better players as Daniel Zadow and Luke Button continually halted the Imperial attacks.

Both teams went goal for goal but Ramblers still held a 28 point lead at the main break.

The third quarter saw Ramblers forwards come into the game as both their talls and smalls contributed to the scoreboard.

Ben Dougall, Ryan Morris and Patrick O’Neil all kicked goals and Sykes chimed in for his third goal for the game as Ramblers continued to extend the margin.

Down by 38 points at three quarter time, Imperials knew they would have to dig extra deep but were unable to as Ramblers began to turn the game into a blow out.

Liam O’Neil was the star for the Roosters with three last quarter goals as each one drove a nail into the Imperial coffin.

Imperials Charles was able to cap off a good individual game for him with a great diving mark and follow up goal but by the final siren, the score said it all as Ramblers charged into its first grand finals in over two decades.

Best for Ramblers was Zadow, Button and Adam Jackson whilst for Imperials, their best were Charles, Daniel Girdham and Matt Kowald

By Brendan Shakes updated 24.8.08

Imperials have inflicted some revenge on rivals Jervois with a last minute goal to seal a four point victory.

Playing in sunny conditions down at Meningie, the Blues won the toss and elected to kick to the lake end. Jervois’ Trevor Rigney was the first goal scorer of the game as his strong mark and polished finished from the boundary gave his side the early lead.

The match was fitting for a finals game as the intensity of the tackling and harassing was at its best. As much as Imperials had the majority of the ball their skills by hand were costing them chances for scoreboard pressure and Jervois capitalized with Sam Mahony walking into an open goal. Imperials were able to finish the quarter stronger with the final three goals deserved more than an 18 point lead at quarter time.

The second term saw Jervois come out firing as they booted five goals to two in the quarter. All the attacking was from Jervois as they tried to stretch the Blues backline with Reid Beeching, Jason Bayliss and Ben Woodhouse all rotating through their forward line. Four unanswered goals by the Bluds had Imperials on the rocks but a courageous effort by Luke Harrowfield gave Shaun Day the goal and Imperials a steadier. More was to come out of the incident with Harrowfield as the player he collided with, Zac Ewer, played no further part in the match. Imperials were able to get their noses in front when Shaun Clayson booted his first goal courtesy of a 50m penalty but a Wade Mason goal on the siren gave the Bluds a four point lead at the main break.

With Ewer out, Jervois continued like they did not need him with Mahony again taking a strong contested grab and kicking his third goal. The third term saw a shootout between Imperials Michael Sumner and Jervois’ Mahony as both players booted three goals. Sumner’s fourth goal was able to make the scores level as both teams had the final quarter to claim victory.

The final term was fitting of a grand final as the intensity and pressure was immense.

Rigney was proving to be a handful as he booted two goals for the term to give him four but Sumner also had two as his sixth tied up the game.

The final minutes were tight but Imperials Luke Harrowfield stepped up again and kicked his second goal to put the Blues in front with less than 10 seconds to go.

As the final siren blew, the win certainly meant a lot to Imperials with players and supporters clearly excited whilst Jervois were slightly dejected at the win that got away.

Imperials James McLaren was clearly best on ground for his rebound out of defence with Sumner, Dion Newell and Blake Harrowfield contributing well.

For Jervois, their best were Beeching, Steve Braun and James Jagodnik but now for the Bluds, to stay in the finals they must beat Mypolonga.

By Brendan Shakes Updated 24.8.08

The return of Martin Baillee and Matt Kowald proved to be the difference as their eight goals between them saw the Blues win by 47 points against Mypolonga. Both teams had played a month ago with the game a tight one, partly due to the weather but on a dry track, Imperials was simply too strong overhead. Early goals to Baillee and Kowald got their side off to a good start as the Tigers defence could not handle their height or strength. Imperials patience with Baillee had run out but the drop to the seconds was a win for both parties as his contested marking was a highlight during the first half. The Blues defence was also on top as Scott March continually put his body on the line and Trevor Wise (another taller player) proving to be influential at the other end.

With an 11 point lead at half time, Imperials stepped on the gas as Baillee and Kowald again were proving handfuls, each kicking a goal in the third term.

Mypolonga simply could not find an avenue to goal apart from Barry Gale who was their shining light up forward. The midfield work of Imperials Todd Hillam and Brady Charles helped their side push the ball into the wind and a clever crumbing goal fro Jared Thoman had the lead out to 29 points by three quarter time. The final quarter saw both teams going through the motions as Imperials were making all the run and sending the ball to their twin towers. Mypolonga were restricted to just two points for the quarter and only a single goal for the half as they now turn their sights to Ramblers.

For Imperials, they now set up a battle against Mannum in which the winner automatically goes straight through to the grand final.

Updated 24.8.08

Imperials kept their finals hopes alive with a 71 point win over a gallant Mypolonga in Sunday’s RMFL under 15 Elimination Final. 

In Perfect conditions Imperials won the toss and kicked to the eastern end of the Jervois ground. Brayden Dalitz opened the Blues account with a point which was followed by a rushed behind to Mypolonga. James Clarke was defending well for “The Blues” and his hardness at the ball resulted in Sean Samblich passing off to Jarred Lienert who kicked truly for their first goal. Imperials were starting to gain the ascendency and further goals to Chad Wingard and Samblich saw them go into the quarter time break with a handy four goal lead Scores Imperials 4.2 Mypolonga 0.2. 

The 2nd quarter proved to be a scrambly affair with neither side able to convert.  Both defences were under pressure with Will Carman for the Tigers and Louis De Michelle for the Blues prominent.  Wingard for Imps kicked a team lifting goal 30 metres out and Mypolonga replied with a goal to Jarred Elliott resulting from a free Kick.  Keelan White in the midfield was having a good quarter and passed to Wingard who finished off with a goal to give Imps a comfortable lead at half time Imperials 6.3 Mypolonga 1.2.

The third quarter saw Imps stifle Mypo's scoring opportunities and a good snap by Wingard (who was having a good duel with Mitchell Lewis) stretch their lead to 37 points. Mypo's Cale Moore at half back was battling against the odds and Todd Howson either at centre half forward or in the ruck was trying to keep his side in the contest.  A goal from centre half forward courtesy of Imps midfielder Keelan White gave them a commanding lead at the last change Imperials 8.4 Mypolonga 1.2. 

The last quarter saw Imperials lift their workrate to get their run on game going. Good play from Imperials half back Dylan Hollitt resulted in a goal further upfield to Brayden Dalitz.  In the end Imperials had too many winners across the ground and further goals to White, Wingard and Samblich sealed the game for the Double Blues. They now advance to next Sundays 1st Semi Final against Tailem Bend at Mannum.  

Final scores Imperials 12.7 Mypolonga 1.2.

By Brendan Shakes

In wintry conditions, Mypolonga broke a three-and-a-half year drought against Imperials with a spirited 31 point victory.

Imperials won the toss and elected to kick with the breeze but their advantage was not as decisive as constant rain began to fall making the ground slippery.

With both sides having to resort to a brand of wet weather football, Imperials were able to put through a much needed goal with Tom Hines scoring his first.

Tigers James Pedler was dominating early in the first term as his work around the ground was keeping his side in touch.

Both teams went goal for goal with Mypolonga’s Caine Lynn leveling the scores after multiple fifty metre penalties to give his side a sniff heading into the second term.

What was to happen next was something remarkable and that will put Jervois and Ramblers on notice as Mypolonga smashed the Blues with a six goal to one quarter.

Mypolonga’s dominance was overwhelming as the home crowd and its home players were in shock as the Tigers penetrated their forward line with ease.

Two goals from Mypolonga’s Cameron Wells helped extend his sides lead and when Caine Lynn ran into an open goal the Tigers were out to a seven goal lead.

Imperials did start the second half well with Daniel Girdham and Martin Baillee goaling early to reduce the margin but the Tigers were able steady with three goals of their own, to all but rule any chance of an Imperial revival.

The final quarter was as dull as Imperials day as home supporters started to leave early to beat the traffic.

As the final siren sounded, Mypolonga showed in a dominant display that this season will not be a three horse race.

By Brendan Shakes Updated 20.7.08

At Johnstone Park, in wintry conditions, the engine room of Imperials overcame a spirited Meningie outfit, winning by 62 points.

With predictions of a blow out, Meningie set out to prove the critics wrong taking it up to the Blues in the first few minutes.

Imperials were kicking with a slight breeze and booted the first two goals of the game through Luke Harrowfield and Henry Hodge.

From their early attacks, Meningie were finally rewarded when Brodie Van Den Brink kicked truly.

The ruck work of Josh Charles in the opening quarter was instrumental as the midfield group of Ash Temby, Daniel Girdham and Hodge continually penetrated their forward line.

After a stint in the reserves, Imperials Martin Baillee found some of the footy as he booted three goals for the quarter to set up a 44 point lead at quarter time.

Supporters of both sides would have expected Imperials to continue the onslaught but Meningie came out with intent and to give their opponents a run for there money.

Two goals from Richard Prusa and Mark Turner helped reduce the margin for the Bears but their dominance of the quarter was not resulting in reducing the margin.

Imperials had lapses and blunders including hitting the post from the goal square only further encouraged Meningie’s hopes of victory.

A late goal from Michael Sumner helped his side kick their first goal for the quarter and give them a 42 point lead at the main break.

The third quarter saw Meningie continue to bring Imperials down and at certain stages; you would not reckon that one of these sides is battling for top spot.

Meningie’s Aiden Barker played a great third term as he kicked all of his team’s three goals and took a big hanger to give the visitors a bit of hope.

Trailing by five goals and having the small breeze at their back, Barker’s fourth reduced the margin to under four goals and started to get the home crowd a little restless.

In the end, Imperials finally started to play the same kind of football they played in the first term as they kicked six unanswered goals to all but wrap up the match.

Best for Imperials was Girdham, Jason Puiatti and Temby whilst Meningie’s better players were Barker, Turner and Evan Smith.

By Brendan Shakes 16.6.2008

At Johnstone Park, a fired up Imperials side overcame a spirited Mypolonga, defeating the Tigers by 31 points.

With misty rain falling before and during the game, conditions became more difficult for players as the slippery game did not help either sides running game.

Kicking to the scoreboard end, Mypolonga got off to a good start with forward Brad Martin scrambling home the first goal of the game.

His sides lead was to be cancelled out quickly as Imperials Roger Puckridge took a strong, courageous mark to help level up the scores.

Imperials were able to provide strong run out of defense with Jason Puatti’s rebound helping his side out.

With their defense holding strong, Imperials forward line started to click with Luke Harrowfield able to reward the work of his defenders with two goals and help establish a 15 point lead at the first break.

The second term was a scrappy affair with the solitary goal coming from a soccer goal from the Tigers Martin.

Neither forward line was able to put scoreboard pressure on as the game turned into a hard slog where goals would become a premium.

Heading into the second half with a 10 point deficit and Puckridge off for the rest of the game, Mypolonga came out with intent as they were led down back by Joe Pedler, who was trying to curb Harrowfield’s dominance.

Mypolonga kept up the pressure as Joe Oxborrow slotted through his first and all of a sudden, there was life in the match.

The Tigers confidence and belief rose as they went through a purple patch with Imperials unable to contain the ruck work of James Pedler or shut down Martin who put through another two goals to bring his tally up to four.

Imperials however stepped up booting the last four goals of the quarter, three to Harrowfield, to help wrestle back the lead.

The final quarter saw Mypolonga dish everything they could to the Blues but a strong mark and goal to Ryan Eyre helped give Imperials a commanding lead.

Things did not go the Tigers way as James Pedler was yellow carded late in the game and when Harrowfield put through his seventh, the match was out of Mypolonga’s reach.

By Brendan Shakes 25.5.2008

The Trevor Rigney show rolled into Murray Bridge on Saturday and did not disappoint as Rigney’s Jervois held on to defeat Imperials by 11 points.

Playing in perfect conditions, Imperials started off stronger as forward Luke Harrowfield booted an early goal for the Blues.

Imperials Henry Hodge was in the action early as penetration into the forward line gave his side plenty of opportunities to put scoreboard pressure on.

Harrowfield was again involved as his second put Imperials back in front but Jervois rallied late in the term and three late goals gave them a three point lead at the first break.

Jervois came out of the blocks early in the second quarter with Rigney snapping his second goal of the game.

This kick started his side as goals to James Jagodnik and Brett Gazzola extended the margin to 21 points.

Hodge was playing a strong game with numerous possessions and a long running goal helped his side reduce the margin.

The momentum of the game had now swung to Imperials as Harrowfield booted three goals, including one on the siren to put his side in front by five points.

Trailing at half time, Jervois stamped their authority on the match with a six goal to three quarter.

Ruckmen Jason Bayliss was dominating in the middle and around the ground, giving first opportunity to his midfielders.

Three goals to finish the quarter gave Jervois a 15 point margin but Imperials were kicking with the slight breeze in the final term.

Imperials started well with Martin Ballie booting his third goal to cut the margin but a second goal to James Cobbledick and a sixth to Rigney pushed the margin out to 27 points.

With no players on the bench available, Imperials looked out on their feet as Jervois were now beginning to get away from the Blues but to their credit Imperials staged a small comeback.

Ash Temby and Shaun Clayson goaled in quick succession and when Cobbledick was yellow carded, Imperials were back in it.

When Imperials Josh Charles kicked truly and Harrowfield slotted his sixth, the margin was only four points but Jervois captain Russel Jarvis put through a captains goal to effectively kill off the match.

Best for Jervois was Bayliss, Jarvis and Wade Mason and Imperials better players were Hodge, Matt Gogel and Harrowfield.

The Warren Schenke Cup is played annually between Imperial and Jervois in recognition of one man's outstanding contribution to local football. Warren passed away on November 28, 2004.

Warren is well known for his achievements with in our club during the 70s and 80s, however his involvement in local football was remarkable. Warren commenced his football career as a skinny 15 year old in 1946 with Jervois. He progressed to play an astounding 350 games spanning 25 years. He played in 6 premierships, the last two as captain coach, also holding captain and vice captain positions in other years.

In 1972 Warren moved his family to Murray Bridge. Ironically he bought former Imperial player and coach Rob Reu’s house at 111 Standen St, right next door to Bruce Snell. He moved to Imperials in 1974 under the persuasion of Bruce and the Imperial Football Club committee.

Warren coached the A grade side to second bottom, winning just two games. Senior colts by the names of Williams, Zadow, Langsford, Johnson and Kempe were promoted. In 1975 the move to promote the youngsters started to bare fruit, when the club made the Grand Final, only to be beaten by arch rivals, Ramblers. The ensuing years would provide the club with it’s best run of flags, 3 in a row all at the expense of Ramblers. League premiers 1976, 1977 and 1978, as well as Reserves premiers 1976 & 1978. Warren coached the Reserves also in those days. The club made grand final appearances in 1979 and 1980, although not winning the major prize. Warren was not re-appointed in 1982 after the side lost the first semi-final to Tailem Bend. Warren;s record with Imperials 8 seasons as league coach for 3 premierships from 6 Grand Finals, 7 seasons as Reserves coach for 2 premierships from 5 Grand Finals, an approximate total of 280 games.

Warren was part of a break away group involved in the formation of the Murray Bridge Redlegs. A new club was duly formed and warren was appointed the inaugural coach. In Warrens final year as coach in 1988 the Redlegs made the finals.

Warren was a life member of the Jervois, Imperial and Redlegs Football clubs as well as a life member of the River Murray Football League. A total of 46 years involvement with only 2 years off. No other person has achieved this level of recognition in local football.

By Brendan Shakes

At Johnstone Park, the home side’s big men have proven the difference with Imperials winning by 25 points over a gallant Mannum. In a game expected to be how much Imperials would win by started that way with forwards Martin Ballie and Luke Harrowfield kicking truly to set up an early three goal lead. Even with a big injury list, Mannum kept on persevering and were rewarded with Matt Connolly putting on a display. Connolly changed the game in a matter of minutes as his three quick goals all of a sudden had his side back on level terms. The Roos did not stop there as Captain Ben Quinn added two more goals and when Connolly registered his fourth, Mannum’s was leading at quarter time by 13 points. After a rev up by Coach Tony Fielke, Imperials clicked into gear with their defence holding Mannum goalless. Imperials Ryan Edwards was the architect down back as the midfielders of Henry Hodge and Roger Puckridge were beginning to prove problems along with Edwards’s performance. Ballie and Harrowfield again chimed in with three goals between them and when Quinn was sent off, Mannum had lost all the momentum and was trailing by 11 points at the half. The third term saw both sides play strong contested football yet Ballie was proving too strong for the Mannum defence. His two goals in the quarter helped his side extend the margin however Mannum replied quickly through Maloney and Quinn. Mannum’s defence was not having the greatest game but Imperials forwards were continually wasting opportunities and kept Mannum in the game as the Roos were only down by 21 points. Imperials Ballie started the last quarter well as he booted his fifth and it was now looking like a convincing win, or so the home faithful thought. Three goals to Andrew Warnest, Shard Malhoun and Mark Dearman put the side within two goals had the Roos supporters out of the car and urging their side to push on. Imperials Matt Kowald kicked his third goal from the goal square and a dubious free to Kowald gave him his fourth and effectively ended the game. The final quarter proved a little too close for comfort for Imperials as they had kept Mannum in it for the whole game and it almost came unstuck. Best for Imperials was Hodge who amassed over 40 possessions with Edwards, Puckridge and Jason Roberts also contributing well. The win now puts Imperials on top of the ladder whilst Mannum is still kept outside the top five.