Game Summary

The Hamilton Tiger-Cats were able to overcome the many concerns about their team being on the verge of folding and defeat the visiting Eskimos in front of 17,102 faithfuls at Ivor Wynne Stadium on Friday night. Led by QB Don McPherson, the ’Cats got on the board when K Paul Osbaldiston punted a 61-yarder for a single and a 17-yard FG in the opening quarter while Edmonton squeezed a 48-yard FG by Sean Fleming in between the 2 scores. Hamilton receiver Earl Winfield was at his best once again as he returned his 1st of 2 punt return TDs on the night, a 65-yarder (converted by Osbaldiston) to give the Tiger-Cats a 11-3 lead. Edmonton was unable to do much throughout the 1st half, scoring a single off the foot of P Glenn Harper at 9:13 of the 2nd period. Winfield displayed his magic once again, this time capping off a 4-play drive originating at the Hamilton 20 with a 79~yard pass-and-run play for his 2nd score of the evening. The 2 teams exchanged FGs before halftime, making the count 21-7 going into the dressing rooms. The third quarter was a kicking competition, as Osbaldistion sandwiched a 37-yard boot by Fleming with a 27-yarder and a 17-yarder of his own to increase his team’s lead to 27-10 after 3 quarters. The final frame saw Winfield return another punt for a major score, this time a 46-yard return, giving him a total-of 232 yards and 3 TDs in receiving and returns on the night. The Hamilton defence was also pretty stingy throughout the game, sacking Edmonton QBs 6 times while allowing only 162 yards in total offence, including no TDs.