Winnipeg takes the Grey Cup; defeats Hamilton Tiger Cats 33 to 12

By Pepper Parr

November 25th, 2019

BURLINGTON, ON

We can tell you about at least one bum that was sitting in the stands at the Grey Cup game in Calgary on Sunday.

Ron Foxcroft watched the Tiger Cats get defeated by the Winnipeg Bombers. It was not a scene he expected to observe.

The Tiger Cats had a magnificent season – won every game they played on their home turf and went out west expecting to bring the Grey Cup back to Hamilton for the first time since 1999 when they defeated the Calgary Stampeders.

Losing at the Grey Cup level hurts.

But it wasn’t to be – it didn’t even come close. 33 to 12 for the Bombers who took control early in the game and never let it go.

Foxcroft was convinced that if the game had been played in Hamilton it would be a sure thing. He thought the game down to the wire would be won in the trenches during the last minutes.

Foxcroft said he has “watched every playoff game since 1957” and like many, if not most Canadians, he is a fan of the Canadian Football League where he sees Hamilton as his favourite.

“Winnipeg played a better game today and that’s why they’re champions,” said Ticats coach Orlondo Steinauer, who held a lengthy team meeting after the game.

Ron Foxcroft blowing a Fox40 whistle to get the photographers attention.

Hamilton came into the game as the favourite after compiling a CFL-best 15-3 record and finishing atop the East Division standings. The Ticats were also 2-0 this season against the Bombers.

It was a tough loss for everyone – but the game goes on and you look forward to the next season which will begin in May.

Foxcroft, ever the champion in his own right, had presented the game referees with rings and a Fox40 whistle the day before the game took place.