BLUE BOMBERS 37 TIGER-CATS 11

WINNIPEG – Matt Nichols was happy about two things after he helped guide the Blue Bombers to a weather-delayed 37-11 win over the Hamilton Tiger-Cats on Wednesday.

It was his second straight victory as the team’s starting quarterback, and it was time to eat.

“I’m starving right now, that’s for sure,” Nichols said with a smile as it approached 1 a.m. local time.

“Usually, you try and plan on eating a couple hours before the game. We’ve been snacking on bananas and Gatorade bars and stuff like that, trying to stay hydrated and stay filled up.”

The start of the game was delayed two hours 38 minutes because of a severe thunderstorm and lightning in the area around Investors Group Field. It was the third game the Bombers have played this season that’s been delayed by the weather.

Nichols, making his second straight start in place of struggling incumbent Drew Willy, completed 23 of 31 pass attempts for 246 yards and had no interceptions.

The Bombers (3-4) didn’t commit a turnover in the win that snapped their six-game home losing streak that dated back to last season.

On the flipside, Hamilton (3-3) had six turnovers and Winnipeg scored 23 points off five off them.

It was also the first time the Bombers have recorded back-to-back victories since July 2014.

Starting Hamilton pivot Jeremiah Masoli was 27-of-46 for 334 yards. He threw three interceptions and had a fumble that led to 20 Bomber points.

“Got to look at the film, but I’ve definitely got to take ownership of that,” Masoli said. “I didn’t have a good game.”

Ticats kicker Brett Maher had a punt blocked and the turnover was used for a Winnipeg field goal. Hamilton also turned the ball over on downs late in the game.

Both Masoli and Hamilton head coach Kent Austin said the weather delay wasn’t a factor because both clubs went through the same postponement.

“We just got whipped by a better football team. Period,” Austin said.

(Canadian Press)