It’s a difficult day in Rider Nation, as the Saskatchewan Roughriders lost Sunday night’s Western final 20-13 to their biggest rival, the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.
There were mixed emotions on display from fans leaving Mosaic Stadium after the game, whether it was excitement from Bomber fans in attendance, or shock and devastation from Rider fans.
However, Rider fan Luke McWilliams said he can’t believe the Riders made it this far in coach Craig Dickenson’s first season.
“It’s house money, but at the same time I’m really disappointed,” McWilliams said. “I really thought we had them, you know it came down to literal inches; they hit the upright on the last-second pass, the team played hard.
“The fans cheered hard, the team played hard, we did our best, you can’t win them all,” McWilliams added.
Long-time Rider fan Josh Baber said he’s optimistic for 2020.
“I think hosting (the grey Cup) next year, we’re going to be in for a wild ride,” Baber said. “I expect to be back here in the West final next year, and hopefully we’re on the better end.”
This makes the second year in a row the Bombers have ended the Riders season, as Winnipeg defeated Saskatchewan last year in the Western semifinal at Mosaic Stadium 23-18.
Several Bomber fans made the trip to Regina to watch the game, including Eddie Chalmers, who came to the Queen City from Winnipeg.
Chlamers said he and his fellow Bomber fans were treated well.
“The fans in Regina were fantastic, we had a good time,” Chalmers said. “We’ve been here a bunch of times to watch a game, we were always treated well, (we always) have a good time.
“Thank you CFL. Thank you Regina.”
Chalmers adds he’s hopeful his team can capture this year’s Grey Cup, as it would end a drought that dates back to 1990 for the club.