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Winnipeg rallies to beat Hamilton

Aug 27, 2011 - 4:01 AM Winnipeg, MB (Sports Network) - Justin Palardy's 21-yard field goal with 5:52 remaining capped a fourth-quarter rally and lifted the CFL-best Winnipeg Blue Bombers to a 30-27 victory over the Hamilton Tiger-Cats at Canad Inns Stadium.

Winnipeg's Buck Pierce completed 19-of-34 passes for 293 yards and two touchdowns, including a 12-yarder to Terrence Edwards that tied the game with just over 12 minutes to play in regulation.

Edwards finished the game with 120 yards on six receptions for the Blue Bombers, who are off to their first 7-1 start since 1984.

Kevin Glenn threw for 351 yards and two touchdowns on 22-of-34 efficiency for Hamilton, but had one of his pass attempts returned to the end zone by the opposition.

Chris Williams caught seven balls for 162 yards and a touchdown in the loss for the Tiger-Cats (4-4).

Justin Medlock connected on a 39-yard field goal, stretching Hamilton's lead to 27-20 inside the opening minute of the fourth quarter.

Pierce began the ensuing drive with a 53-yard toss to Edwards. The duo hooked up again to draw the Blue Bombers even.

Hamilton was then forced to punt, and Winnipeg regained the lead behind Palardy's leg.

The Tiger-Cats' final two possessions ended with another punt and a turnover on downs.

"I felt we found a way to win the football game. We did it on offense, defense and special teams once again," said Winnipeg head coach Paul LaPolice.

Coming off their bye week, the Blue Bombers opened the scoring in the first quarter when Jovon Johnson intercepted Glenn and rumbled 67 yards before somersaulting into the end zone.

After the clubs traded field goals, Winnipeg went up 17-3 in the second frame on a 17-yard touchdown pass from Pierce to Clarence Denmark.

Hamilton fought back to tie the contest as Glenn found Williams for a 49-yard TD and connected with Bakari Grant on a 43-yard score.

The Ticats looked to grab the lead near the end of the first half, but Medlock missed a 52-yarder.

A 27-yard kick by Palardy put Winnipeg up 20-17 before Quinton Porter's one- yard plunge gave Hamilton its first lead of the game late in the third quarter.

Game Notes

Glenn has thrown 14 touchdown passes this season, tying him with Montreal's Anthony Calvillo for the league lead...Hamilton running back Avon Cobourne rushed for 60 yards on 15 carries.