Blue Bombers down Tiger-Cats 37-11 after lengthy thunderstorm delay

The start of the game was delayed two hours 38 minutes because of a severe thunderstorm and lightning in the area around Investors Group Field. It was the third game the Bombers have played this season that’s been delayed by the weather.

Nichols, making his second straight start in place of struggling incumbent Drew Willy, completed 23 of 31 pass attempts for 246 yards and had no interceptions.

The Bombers (3-4) didn’t commit a turnover in the win that snapped their six-game home losing streak that dated back to last season.

On the flipside, Hamilton (3-3) had six turnovers and Winnipeg scored 23 points off five off them.

It was also the first time the Bombers have recorded back-to-back victories since July 2014

Hamilton didn’t get on the scoreboard until 7:31 of the third quarter with a one-yard TD run by backup quarterback Jeff Matthews and a two-point convert catch by Andy Fantuz.

Starting pivot Jeremiah Masoli was 27-of-46 for 334 yards. He threw three interceptions and had a fumble that led to 20 Bomber points.

“Got to look at the film, but I’ve definitely got to take ownership of that,” Masoli said. “I didn’t have a good game.”

Ticats kicker Brett Maher had a punt blocked and the turnover was used for a Winnipeg field goal. Hamilton also turned the ball over on downs late in the game.

Both Masoli and Hamilton head coach Kent Austin said the weather delay wasn’t a factor because both clubs went through the same postponement.

“We just got whipped by a better football team. Period,” Austin said.

Once the players had a quick warm-up, it was the Bombers who struck like lightning.

Winnipeg scored 20 points off four Hamilton turnovers in the first half and led 34-0 at the break.

“It was a pretty exciting first half,” Winnipeg head coach Mike O’Shea said. “Our guys were pretty pumped. I think all three phases just did a great job.”

The Bombers got TDs from rookie defensive back C.J. Roberts, newly signed slotback Clarence Denmark, receiver Thomas Mayo and running back Andrew Harris.

Winnipeg kicker Justin Medlock was good on his four converts and connected on field goals from 16, 31 and 19 yards.

Hamilton also got points off a 41-yard Maher field goal.

Rookie defensive back C.J. Roberts got things going when he intercepted Masoli and ran 19 yards for his first CFL touchdown at 1:47 of the first quarter.

Denmark, the former Bomber who was re-signed on Sunday, caught a 12-yard TD pass that made it 14-0 for the Bombers at 3:36.

A Masoli fumble was scooped up by tackle Jake Thomas and led to a 13-yard TD catch by Mayo at 10:03 of the first.

After Winnipeg had a punt return TD by defensive back Kevin Fogg nixed by a penalty, the Bombers responded with Harris’ two-yard TD run at 5:59 of the second for a 28-0 lead.

Defensive back Derek Jones then blocked Maher’s punt and the ball was recovered by linebacker Tony Burnett. The turnover led to Medlock’s 16-yard field goal.

Masoli then had a pass bounce off some hands and Bombers rookie safety Taylor Loffler ended up grabbing it for the interception.

Medlock used the game’s fourth turnover to boot a 31-yard field goal at 12:58 to make the score 34-0.

“When all three phases are clicking like that, it’s obviously going to give everyone confidence moving forward,” Nichols said.

“I think that just everyone did a great job tonight of being fired up despite having delays and playing late into the night.”

Winnipeg travels to Toronto next week and then has a bye week.

Judy Owen, The Canadian Press

by Canadian Press

Blue Bombers down Tiger-Cats 37-11 after lengthy thunderstorm delay

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