Game Summary

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers knew that a win in this game would move them into a tie for second place in the West; technically ahead of Edmonton because of the Bombers win over the Esks earlier in the season. The Eastern Riders, who were looking to upset the Bombers, took an early lead when K Wayne Lammle capped Ottawa’s first drive with a 21 yard field goal. Ottawa QB David Archer looked strong on their next possession. Archer drove the team 77 yards downfield leading to a 1 yard touchdown run by rookie Profail Grier. Lammle kicked the convert and minutes later finished a strong quarter for the Riders with a 40 yard field goal. Winnipeg put their first points on the scoreboard just seconds into the second quarter as K Troy Westwood sent a 50 yard field goal attempt through. Midway through the quarter, Bomber QB Kent Austin connected with SB Allan Boyko for a 20 yard passing touchdown. Westwood kicked the convert. Ottawa regained their 10 point margin before the end of the first half. Archer sent a 12 yard pass to Joseph Rogers in the end zone and the ensuing convert gave the Riders 20 points to the Bombers 7 heading into the locker room. Winnipeg battled back in the third out scoring Ottawa 11 to 3. Westwood began the scoring counting a single following a missed 46 yard field goal attempt. Ottawa’s only points came on a 38 yard field goal by Wayne Lammle. From here on, Winnipeg controlled the game. Austin engineered a 75 yard drive capped by a 12 yard touchdown run by LB Dean Lytle. Westwood kicked the convert and continued to boot the ball well scoring on a 44 yard field goal. Ottawa countered with a 29 yard field goal off the foot of Lammle. Corel Offensive Player of the Game Eric Guliford tied the game up for the Blue Bombers with a 55 yard touchdown reception from Austin. Westwood’s convert gave Winnipeg a slim lead with 12:24 remaining in the game. At 8:24 of the fourth, Westwood opened a 4 point margin by sending a 24 yard shot through the uprights. Ottawa tried to battle back in the dying minutes but came up shy. A 21 yard missed field goal attempt by Lammle left the Riders down by 4 at the end of the game. The win moves Winnipeg above 0.500 for the first time this season.