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Roughriders defeat Lions, advance to Grey Cup

Jan 9, 2008 - 6:09 PM VANCOUVER, British Columbia (Ticker) -- Kerry Joseph threw two touchdown passes on Sunday as the Saskatchewan Roughriders defeated the B.C. Lions, 26-17, in the CFL's West final and advanced to the Grey Cup.

Saskatchewan, which finished second in the West behind defending Grey Cup champion B.C., scored 16 points off turnovers and Luca Congi kicked four field goals as the Roughriders advanced to the CFL championship for the first time since 1997.

Saskatchewan recorded seven sacks, two fumble recoveries and two interceptions. The Roughriders will face the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in next Sunday's title game in Toronto. The Blue Bombers beat the Toronto Argonauts, 19-9, in the East final.

Joseph connected with Andy Fantuz for a 13-yard touchdown in the first quarter, then found Neal Hughes alone for a 2-yard toss in the third. Congi kicked field goals of 37, 33, 26 and 23 yards.

Joe Smith scored on a 1-yard run, backup quarterback Dave Dickenson threw an 11-yard touchdown pass to Geroy Simon and Paul McCallum kicked a 45-yard field goal for the Lions.

It was the fourth meeting of the season between the two teams with the visiting team winning each time. Saskatchewan last won the Grey Cup in 1989, defeating Hamilton, 43-40, in Toronto.