THE last time Jervois and Imperials played at Jervois oval, the Bluds snatched a grand final victory in the final seconds of the game.
This time around it was Imperials who stole a draw in the final minutes of the game and left supporters of both teams with a hollow, empty feeling, bordering on disbelief.
In almost perfect conditions Imperials started better than Jervois and moved the ball more fluently in the opening ten minutes.
Both teams’ defences were on top and it was goal for goal with Imperials holding the lead until the time-on period.
The Blues’ new full forward Martin Bailee was leading, marking and goaling well, kicking two goals for the quarter.
For Jervois, ruckman Jason Bayliss was dominating the taps and working well at ground level as well.
The quarter time score showed a close contest and a very high standard of football was being played.
Imperials started the second quarter again the better side, but wasted many chances before Bailee kicked his third goal at the seven-minute mark.
Jervois was moving the ball better and when Mick Moller kicked two goals in as many minutes, the Bluds had snuck out to a nine point advantage.
Jervois was slowly taking control of the game and when Moller goaled again just before half time their lead was out to 16 points.
After the main break Imperials again started well and Bailee, Matthew Kowald and Luke Harrowfield all kicked goals in the first six minutes to bring the scores level.
From that point on the quarter belonged to Jervois, who scored five unanswered goals.
Sam Mahony kicked two for the quarter to take his tally to five as the Bluds went to the three-quarter-time break 30 points up and travelling nicely.
When Trevor Rigney marked and goaled in the first minute of the last quarter, Jervois led by 36 points and I doubt anyone thought the result would be anything other than a Jervois victory.
Imperials however had other ideas and slowly pegged the margin back.
By mid quarter it was back to 18 points.
Both teams were tiring as was the skill level, Jervois was trying to be fancy but the Blues kept pushing the ball forward and when Shaun Day crumbed the ball off the pack and goaled at the 29-minute mark scores were tied.
Was this a fitting end to an entertaining game?
Many did not think so.
A draw leaves such an empty feeling, however both sides took some positives from the game.
Jervois ruckman Jason Bayliss and Imperials full forward Martin Bailee both performed exceptionally well for their new clubs and were both high in their sides’ best.
Others who played well were Craig Fidge and Trevor Rigney for Jervois and Ash Temby and Jason Puatti for Imperials.
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