Winnipeg Blue Bombers defeat Hamilton Tiger-Cats 33-12 ending the longest Grey Cup drought in history
By Colin Jackson
The Winnipeg Blue Bombers defeated the Hamilton Tiger-Cats 33-12 on Sunday night, securing their spot as the number-one team for the 2019 Canadian Football League season.
Fans flooded the streets almost immediately after the Bombers’ victory, waving flags and chanting “Let’s go Bombers,” as they marched through the streets of downtown Winnipeg.
Cole Benediktson, 25, danced around the huge crowd of fans while they cheered.
“Winning the Grey Cup for the Blue Bombers was massive. Over the last 29 years they have had some incredible teams expected to win the Cup, but always came up short,” said Benediktson.
“To finally break the losing streak is the first step for several championships to follow.”
Winnipeg’s own Andrew Harris, the league’s top running back, led the Bombers and scored two touchdowns. Justin Medlock kicked all six of the Bombers’ field goals.
Although rain filled the streets, the weather did not deter Winnipeg fans from celebrating the team’s victory.
The Bombers fell out of the favoured spot for the Grey Cup, after starting quarterback Matt Nichols suffered a mid-season injury.
Zach Collaros and Chris Streveler worked together as a dual-quarterback pairing, and lead the Bombers to their 11thGrey Cup victory.
Some Bomber fans believe the victory will help bring top free-agent players to the team and increase ticket sales next season.
“With Winnipeg not being the most eye-catching city to live in, winning the Grey Cup will attract prospects and other players,” said lifelong fan Wyatt Kemball.
“Winning the Grey Cup for the Bombers brings a whole new fan base,” said the 22-year-old.
The celebration continued downtown into the late hours of the night, with people spraying bottles of Champagne in honour of the 2019 Grey Cup champions.
