By Jamie Nye

Roughriders run over Tiger-Cats

Oct 30, 2011 | 11:31 AM

The Saskatchewan Roughriders ended their five-game losing streak with a 19-3 win over the Hamilton Tiger-Cats.

The team's regular season sell-out streak ended with 29,000 tickets sold for the game and many of those were not used. But those who did brave the cold and wind witnessed a rare home victory for the final home game of the season.

The Roughriders got 13 points off the foot of Chris Milo in the win. Milo also tied a CFL record with a 108-yard punt that bounced through the end zone for one of his three singles of the afternoon.

The Roughriders shut out the Tiger-Cats in the first half, taking a 17-0 lead into the break. They closed out the second quarter scoring with two minutes left when Neal Hughes plunged in from three-yards out for the touchdown. It was the first time the Roughriders scored a touchdown at Mosaic Stadium since the September 17th win against Toronto.

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The Roughriders defence stepped up. They turned the ball over five times including four interceptions.

Rookie Craig Butler had his second two interception game of the season in the victory.

“I'm glad I got to do it at home this time. I got lucky. The balls came right to me a couple of times and you have to make the most of those opportunities.”

Two of the Tiger-Cat interceptions came in the end zone, one of them to Butler. The other ended up in the hands of Nick Graham. Tyron Brackenridge had his first career interception in his first start with the Roughriders.

Ready to run

The Roughriders offense had a much better day. They didn't turn the ball over once under the direction of quarterback Ryan Dinwiddie.

The Riders had 190 rushing yards to just 139 through the air.

Dinwiddie added 53 yards on the ground and believes many of the players showed how badly they wanted to play well before the season ended.

“We got guys that are on the bubble. Let's face it, we didn't get done what we needed to this year and they are going to look to replace a lot of guys here. That's unfortunate obviously but we have a lot of guys who stepped up. Also, we don't want to quit on our coach or this organization.”

Geno's swan song?

Before the game started, Gene Makowsky led the team out from the tunnel as the speculation continues to swirl that the 19-3 win will be the last for the long-time Rider.

Makowsky wasn't going to admit whether or not that was the truth after the final whistle.

“If that was the last game I played here it's a little bit sad but also it's good to get a win.”

Makowsky says it was his teammate's idea to send him out first as he usually waits until all the fireworks and smoke have cleared before making his way on the field.

“Guys told me to go out. Maybe they want to get rid of me, I don't know, so maybe that's a hint for me.”

News and Notes

Linebacker Jerrell Freeman was named the Roughriders Player of the Year at halftime. Graeme Bell was given the team's community service award.

news@panow.com