Game Summary

This game was huge for both teams as they battle for the final playoff spot in the Northern Division. The teams, with identical 3 and 7 win-loss records, met at Winnipeg Stadium to see who would take sole possession of fifth place. Thirty-five km/h winds created a seesaw battle as both teams only scored with the wind at their backs. Bob Cameron opened the scoring for Winnipeg with an 81 yard punt single. Minutes later, Saskatchewan punter Brent Matich conceded a safety rather than try to punt against the wind. Winnipeg put their first TD on the board with a trick play as they lined up for a field goal attempt. The kicker, Troy Westwood, took a pitch from the holder Bob Cameron 12 yards into the end zone for his first ever touchdown. He then kicked the convert. Westwood continued a solid game kicking a 26 yard field goal giving the Bombers a 15 to 0 lead. With the wind at their backs for the second and third quarters, Saskatchewan fought back and took the lead. Dave Ridgway opened the scoring with a 17 yard field goal. Later in the quarter he missed a 27 yard FG attempt but was able to score the single. In the third quarter, Ridgway hit a 31 yard field goal bringing the ’Riders score to 7. Roughrider QB Tom Burgess hooked up with Donald Narcisse on passing plays of 14 and 28 yards, both of which were converted by Ridgway, to give Saskatchewan a 21 to 15 lead. Ridgway booted another field goal before the end of the quarter extending their lead to 9 points. Newly acquired Winnipeg quarterback Kevin McDougal had the wind for the fourth quarter and needed to put together a couple of effective drives for the win. He did not waste much time in putting points on the board. McDougal capped a drive that began on the Winnipeg 12-yard line with a 9 yard touchdown run. Westwood’s convert left Winnipeg trailing by 2. Following another long Winnipeg drive late in the quarter, Westwood kicked what proved to be the winning field goal. His 27 yard kick gave the home team a one point lead. With time running out, Leonard Johnson recovered a fumble by Burgess allowing the Bombers to run out the clock for the win.