I didn’t catch either of the CFL semi-finals today, but both were apparently reasonably exciting/competitive games despite the adverse weather conditions.
The East match-up between the Hamilton Tiger Cats and Montreal Alouettes was played in gale force winds and occasional stretches of rain. Both teams struggled early, with Montreal enjoying a 2-0 half-time lead on the strength of two rouges on a missed field goal and a punt. In the second half the offences came alive a bit, with Hamilton surging out to a 13-10 lead before Montreal tied it on a last-play field goal. Then in OT the Cats held the Als to a field goal on their first possession, and won the game with a two-yard TD run by back-up QB Dan LeFevour. You can read more in this TSN report.
In the West semi-final, the Saskatchewan Roughriders faced the B.C. Lions in bitterly cold conditions at Mosaic Stadium (game photo above). Things looked dire for the Green & White in the third quarter when they fell behind 25-16. But led by QB Darian Durant, who was 19-23 for 270 yards with two TD passes and no interceptions, and also rushed for 97 yards on six carries, the Riders scored 13 fourth quarter points and prevailed 29-25. Taj Smith also enjoyed a strong game for the Rider O, with four catches for 126 yards. And kicker Chris Milo made five of six field goals. Here’s the TSN report.
Now that the semi-finals are in the books, the list of Grey Cup contenders has been reduced to four. Next Sunday in the East, the Toronto Argonauts will play host to the Tiger Cats. In the West final later that same day, the Calgary Stampeders will host the Riders at McMahon Stadium. At stake will be berths in the 101st Grey Cup which goes Nov. 24 in Regina.
