Ray helps Argonauts spoil Jones' Roughriders debut

For the first time since Sept. 7, Chris Jones is the losing coach in a CFL game.

The new frontman of the Saskatchewan Roughriders wasn't able to bring his winning ways from the Edmonton Eskimos to Regina Thursday, as the Toronto Argonauts spoiled his first game with his new club, registering a 30-17 road win in the final home opener at Mosaic Stadium.

Ricky Ray didn't have his most prolific game, throwing for just 186 yards, but his two touchdown passes in the first quarter were enough to stake the Argos to a lead they wouldn't relinquish.

Jones made the move to join Saskatchewan shortly after capturing the Grey Cup with Edmonton last season, and while his first game might be a loss, there were some positives for Rider fans in the setback.

Quarterback Darian Durant saw action for the first time since a season-ending injury in the first game of the 2015 season and showed no signs of rust, completing 31-of-48 passes for 310 yards and a score. Following a six-yard touchdown connection to John Chiles to cut the score to 14-7, the game changed on a massive turnover created by the Argos defence.

Matt Black picked up a fumble by backup quarterback Bryant Moniz and scampered 37 yards for the score which restored the club's two-touchdown lead.

The Riders would threaten but only managed field goals in crucial situations, as Toronto rebounded from an opening week loss to the Hamilton Tiger-Cats with a massive road victory.

The Argos remain on the road for week three, heading to Vancouver to face the BC Lions, while Jones returns to face Edmonton in what should be a hotly-contested affair.