Blue Bombers knock off Roughriders to make West final

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers advanced to the West final with a 23-18 victory over the Saskatchewan Roughriders at Mosaic Stadium on Sunday.

Quarterback Matt Nichols completed 16 of 22 passes for 169 yards and one touchdown, outdueling Roughriders starter Brandon Bridge, who completed 12 of 22 attempts for just 100 yards and one interception.

Bridge became the first Canadian quarterback to start a CFL playoff game since Gerry Dattilio did so in 1984. He was forced from the game with under 10 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter after taking a helmet-to-helmet hit. He was replaced by David Watford for the final play.

Running back Andrew Harris was the key to the Bombers' offense, rushing for 153 yards and a touchdown on 19 carries. He added 10 receiving yards on two receptions. Drew Wolitarsky scored Winnipeg's other touchdown on a 20-yard connection with Nichols just before the half. Justin Medlock went 3-for-4 on field-goal attempts.

The Blue Bombers will head to McMahon Stadium to face the Calgary Stampeders next Sunday in the West Final.