WINNIPEG — Kenny Lawler caught a 10-yard pass in the end zone with 19 seconds remaining as the Winnipeg Blue Bombers avoided a Hamilton Tiger-Cats comeback with a 26-23 victory on Friday. The Blue Bombers (5-6) extended their win streak to three games in front of a sold-out crowd of 32,343 at Princess Auto Stadium, while the Tiger-Cats (2-9) dropped their fourth game in row. Hamilton trailed 16-3 at halftime, but a pair of Greg Bell rushing touchdowns helped the visitors hold a 23-19 lead with 1:48 left in the CFL contest.
A Ticats’ illegal contact penalty kept the Blue Bombers' winning drive alive. Winnipeg quarterback Zach Collaros completed 18 of 36 pass attempts for 177 yards with three interceptions. Bo Levi Mitchell was 14-of-28 passing for 220 yards with no interceptions or TDs for Hamilton.
Blue Bombers rookie linebacker Michael Ayers picked up a fumbled ball after a punt and ran 27 yards for a touchdown. Sergio Castillo connected on field goals from 43, 18, 41 and 45 yards, and made two converts. Winnipeg running back Brady Oliveira had 120 yards off 18 carries.
Hamilton receiver Tim White hauled in seven catches for 134 yards. Marc Liegghio booted field goals from 27, 50 and 45 yards for Hamilton, but missed a 45-yard attempt. He was good on his convert.
After the game was delayed early in the first quarter following an injury that sent Bombers' offensive tackle Stanley Bryant to hospital, Winnipeg continued the drive and capped it off with Castillo’s 43-yard .