Game Summary

The second game of the week in the East saw Ottawa travel to Hamilton to take on the 1996 Grey Cup host. Paul Osbaldiston capped Hamilton’s first possession of the game with a 20 yard field goal. Minutes later, Osbaldiston was forced to concede the safety as he wasn’t able to get a punt away out of his own end zone. Ottawa took over the lead less than a minute later when David Archer connected with Joseph Rogers for a 90 yard touchdown pass. Wayne Lammle kicked the convert. Matt Dunigan put the first major of the season for the Tiger-Cats just seconds into the second quarter hitting Maclin Cody on a 25 yard passing play. Osbaldiston kicked the convert. Hamilton made up the safety they allowed as Lammle was forced to concede on a punt attempt. Osbaldiston made good on two more field goals before the half to give the Tabbies an 6 point lead. Lammle opened the scoring in the third quarter hitting a 17 yard field goal. Hamilton took control of the game at this point. Osbaldiston made his fourth field goal of the game, this time from 18 yards out. Minutes later Dunigan hooked up with Ted Long for a 31 yard TD to move further ahead of the Riders. Following a time count violation, Osbaldiston’s convert attempt failed. With no time remaining in the quarter, Dunigan and Cody connected again to give the Tiger-Cats a commanding lead. The 7 yard TD pass was converted by Osbaldiston. Osbaldiston then cranked a 93 yard kickoff to record a single. Ottawa fought back late in the game scoring a single and a touchdown. The single came on a 45 yard punt by Lammle. The TD was a 25 yard passing play between Archer and Billy Hess. Lammle converted the touchdown. The late drive was too little, too late for the Eastern Riders as they trailed the Tabbies by 12 as the final gun sounded.