Blue Bombers defend Grey Cup with thrilling OT win over Ticats

It took two years, but the Winnipeg Blue Bombers have successfully defended their title.

The Bombers, who were the CFL's best team during the regular season, captured Lord Grey's chalice once again with a thrilling 33-25 overtime victory against the Hamilton Tiger-Cats at Tim Hortons Field.

Zach Collaros connected with Darvin Adams for the game-winning touchdown on the first drive of overtime.

Kyrie Wilson clinched the victory with an interception of Jeremiah Masoli.

The Blue Bombers, who went 29 years without winning the Grey Cup before their 2019 championship, are the first repeat champions since the Montreal Alouettes in 2009-10. It's the first time that Winnipeg earned back-to-back Grey Cups since 1962.

Both teams struggled for offense early on in what was a windy night in the Hammer. The Ticats also had to weather the loss of starting quarterback Dane Evans, who left with an injury in the second quarter. Masoli was sharp in relief, throwing for 185 yards and a pair of touchdowns, and put them in position to win in front of their raucous home crowd.

But Winnipeg flexed its muscle, outscoring the Ticats 22-6 over the final quarter and overtime. Playing with the wind at their backs, Sergio Castillo hit two field goals in the fourth, and Grey Cup MVP Collaros connected with Outstanding Canadian Nic Demski for a touchdown.

On the ensuing kickoff, Ticats returner Tim White chose to concede a single point, which ended up changing the outcome. The Tabbies' next drive saw Jaelon Acklin narrowly miss catching a potential game-winning touchdown, forcing Michael Domagala to settle for a tying field goal that pushed the game into OT for Adams' clinching touchdown grab.

For the Ticats, the loss extends their Grey Cup drought to 22 years. It's the longest active dry spell in the CFL. The Ticats haven't won a Grey Cup in their home city since 1972.