News briefs for Sunday, November 19, 2023

Bombers take 17-7 lead into half at Grey Cup

7:04 PM

HAMILTON — The Winnipeg Blue Bombers lead the Montreal Alouettes 17-7 at halftime of Grey Cup 110.

The Bombers increased their lead to 10 with a one-yard plunge by short-yardage quarterback Dakota Prukop with 2:52 left in the half. The score was set up by Bombers safety Brandon Alexander forcing punt returner James Letcher Jr. to fumble. Long snapper Mike Benson, a Winnipegger, recovered and the Bombers found the end zone five plays later.

In the closing seconds of the second quarter, Montreal had the ball on Winnipeg’s one-yard line, but their short-yardage quarterback, Caleb Evans, was stuffed by linebacker Shayne Gauthier and his teammates to keep the score at 17-7.

Bombers lead Als 10-7 after Q1 at Grey Cup

6:21 PM

HAMILTON — The Winnipeg Blue Bombers have an early lead at Grey Cup 110.

After the opening quarter of play at Tim Hortons Field, the Blue and Gold lead the Montreal Alouettes 10-7

The Bombers settled for a 25-yard Sergio Castillo field goal on their first drive. On their second drive, they had a drive extended thanks to an unnecessary roughness penalty called on Als defensive tackle Mustafa Johnson for a hit on quarterback Zach Collaros. One play later, running back Brady Oliveira scored a touchdown on a five-yard carry to increase Winnipeg’s advantage.

The Alouettes punched back with a 32-yard touchdown run from running back William Stanback. The score was set up by an impressive 31-yard grab by receiver Austin Mack.

Bighill, Schoen cleared to play in Grey Cup

5:17 PM

HAMILTON – In a last-minute shocker, the Winnipeg Blue Bombers have cleared linebacker Adam Bighill and receiver Dalton Schoen to play in Sunday’s Grey Cup against the Montreal Alouettes.

Schoen hasn’t played or practised since injuring his ankle late in an Oct. 7 road win over the B.C. Lions, while Bighill left in the first half of the West Final last week, also against the Lions, with an injured calf. Their availabilities for the champion game were in serious question after neither participated in formal, public workouts this week. Neither player took part in Sunday’s pre-game warm-up, making their return to the line-up even more surprising.

The Bombers are chasing a third Grey Cup in four seasons, while the Alouettes haven’t won since 2010. It’s the first Grey Cup between the two clubs in the CFL’s 65-year history.

‘Suspicious item’ detonated in compost bin

1:24 PM

Residents in the West End neighbourhood were evacuated from their homes Sunday morning as Winnipeg police say they detonated a “suspicious item” found in a compost bin.

Police say they were called to the 400 block of Agnes Street around 8:40 a.m. with reports the item was found in a back lane. Officers treated it like a makeshift explosive and the bomb squad was called.

Multiple homes and apartment complexes were evacuated while the area was contained. The item was safely detonated, and police say they found no evidence of explosive materials in the item.

No one was hurt, and residents were allowed to return to their homes shortly after.

Investigators ask anyone with information about the incident to call the major crimes unit at 204-986-6219, anonymously at 204-786-TIPS or winnipegcrimestoppers.org.