Game Summary

It was a rematch of the two top teams in the East Division as the Montreal Alouettes travelled west to play the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in the CFL’s annual Hall of Fame game. Hamilton had won the front-end of this home and home series last week by a 30-9 score and where looking to continue their winning ways in front of their hometown crowd. Hamilton scored first in the match as speedy RB Archie Amerson scampered into the end zone from 32 yards out at 3:25 of the first quarter. K Paul Osbaldiston’s convert was successful. Montreal tied the score at 7:50 when QB Tracy Ham teamed up with FB Michael Soles for a 17-yard scoring play that was followed by K Terry Baker’s convert. Hamilton retook the lead at 14:46 when SB Darren Flutie and QB Danny McManus connected for a 73-yard scoring play to make the score 14-7 after the first quarter. In the second stanza, Osbaldiston added to Hamilton’s lead by striking a 21-yard FG at 13:33. A 64-yard punting single by Baker at 14:22 completed the scoring in the first half with Hamilton leading by a 17-8 score. In the third period Baker cut into Hamilton’s lead when his 14-yard FG split the uprights at 6:10. However, a 48-yard TD interception return by Hamilton CB Eric Carter at 8:12 made the score 24-11 for the Tabbies after Osbaldiston’s convert. Baker added a 70-yard punting single and a 22-yard FG to cut Hamilton’s lead to 9 points before the end of the quarter. Hamilton scored first in the final stanza of play when RB Ronald Williams powered into the end zone from the 2-yard line at 2:09. Osbaldiston’s convert was good. At 5:27 Osbaldiston attempted to punt from the Hamilton end zone but was forced to concede a two-point safety by the Montreal defence. QB Anthony Calvillo, who replaced an injured Tracy Ham midway through the third quarter, found WR Ben Cahoon for a late pair of TD receptions from 30 and 36 yards respectively. Baker was good on both converts to complete Montreal’s comeback and drive the game into overtime. In the overtime period no scoring occurred. Montreal had the best chance to take home the victory but Baker’s 38-yard FG with no time remaining in the second and final overtime quarter sailed wide to make the score from Ivor Wynne Stadium Hamilton 31, Montreal 31. The game marked the first tie in the CFL this season. It also marked RB Mike Pringle’s eighth consecutive 100+ yard rushing game this season which ties the all-time CFL mark held by past greats Johnny Bright and Willard Reaves.