Back home now.
With about 3 minutes to go, Riders put together a drive but it petered out; were on the Bombers 45 on 3rd down, with about 4 yards to go . Everyone expected a punt, but the offence stayed on. (Behind me in the stands : “Jesus Christ, they’re not going for it?!?”)
Ball snaps to Riders QB - and he punts! Not high, just a squib, but it bounces close to the end zone. Bomber recovers it, but two or three Riders are on him. He runs along the goal line, then into the end zone, and gets tackled.
Two points go up on the scoreboard for a safety:
33-24
But then the refs go into a huddle, and head ref André Proulx (whom Riders fan hate) announces that it’s not a safety, because the Riders didn’t put the ball in the end zone. Ball carrier was “carried in by the ball-carrier’s own momentum”, so it’s just a single.
Well okay then:
Riders 32, Bombers 24.
8 point game.
Bombers start a drive, and although the Riders are really on them, they manage to put together a really good run; then the Bomber QB throws a long bomb to a Bomber around the Sask 12 yard line; Rider gets tangled up with the Bomber and knocks the ball down; but, refs rule it was defensive pass interference and ball is placed at the point of interference.
Bombers need 8 points to tie the game, which would trigger overtime. They get a touchdown, for six points.
Score: 32-30
Bombers go for a 2 point convert to get the tie. QB makes a pass into the endzone.
Pass is intercepted by a Rider in the endzone, who starts running. And running. And running. No Bomber touches him.
About 115 yards later, he’s in the Bombers’ endzone. Not considered a TD, because the Bombers were trying for a 2 point convert; Riders score 2 points for the run.
Score: 34 - 30
Clock is ticking (note to US Dopers: CFL rules have a three minute warning, and during that period, if a play is whistled dead, the clock stops running.)
Bombers try to put togeher a drive with less than a minute to go. Riders stop them.
On 3rd down, Bombers go for a short kick.
Kick is too short, only about 5 yards, not the 10 that’s required. Normally that’s a penalty and a loss of downs, but it didn’t matter: the Riders recovered the ball on the 5 yard spot.
And that was it for the game.
Great rejoicing in Riderville.
Long trip home for Bomber fans.