The CFL season is only two weeks old, but with the Riders playing a majority of their home games in the first half of the season they felt it was imperative to get off to a good start knowing their first four would be at Mosaic Stadium. So far, so good!

Despite taking 20 penalties, the Riders defeated the Hamilton Tiger-Cats 30-8 as Cody Fajardo threw for 222 yards and two touchdowns as the green-and-white improve to 2-0 for the first time since 2013

Head Coach Craig Dickenson says winning at home should pay dividends as the season goes on.

“It’s like putting money in the bank.” Dickenson said. “We want to try and put as much money in the bank as we can because late in the year we know we will go through some rough times and if you have a few wins under your belt, you can survive it.  We’re pleased at where we are at after two weeks and we look to keep it going in Week 3.”

When it comes to the penalties, including three offside calls at the goal-line which eventually led to Hamilton’s only touchdown of the night, Dickenson said discussions will be had.

“They were frustrating.  The guys will hear about it.” Dickenson said. “We have to do a better job, me specifically in making sure we play within the rules and that we address some of that.  We were just not good with our technique and decision making in some plays.”

The Riders will look to go 3-0 on August 21 when the Ottawa Redblacks come to Mosaic Stadium in a 5 p.m. start.

NOTES:

• Shaq Evans left the game on Cody Fajardo’s second quarter touchdown run after suffering an injury to his left ankle.  Dickenson did not have a status update on the receiver at game’s end
• Former Regina Rams receiver Mitch Picton caught his first professional touchdown pass.  Kyran Moore, who revealed this week that he has a great friendship with Picton, said for him it was the highlight of the game,
• Receiver Jake Harty was kicked out after a scuffle started following Moore’s touchdown catch in the 3rd quarter. Hamilton’s Jovan Santos-Knox was also ejected
• The attendance was 27,076.  That is the lowest total for a game at the new Mosaic Stadium since it opened