Lions survive scare, claw out victory over Tiger-Cats

VANCOUVER — The B.C. Lions were tested Thursday but hung on for a 17-12 victory over the Hamilton Tiger-Cats.

Quarterback Nathan Rourke tossed for 250 yards with two touchdowns for the Lions (4-1). He connected on 22 of 30 attempts, had two interceptions and was sacked once.

Sean Whyte stayed perfect on the season, making a 37-yard field goal, his lone attempt of the night.

Hamilton’s Dane Evans was sacked early but recovered and connected on 26 of 37 attempts for 297 passing yards. He connected with Steven Dunbar Jr. for a touchdown and went without an interception for a second straight game.

Kicker Seth Small made two of three field goal attempts, including a 23-yard kick in the second quarter.

The result moves the Lions into a tie with the idle Calgary Stampeders for second spot in the CFL’s competitive West Division.

The game began as a defensive battle, with both sides struggling to generate offence.

James Butler sparked the Lions midway through the first quarter, taking a handoff from Rourke deep in B.C. territory, and weaving 37-yards through traffic and attempted tackles. The run gave the home side a first down on their own 54-yard line.

Rourke followed the play with a 33-yard bullet to Dominique Rhymes and Whyte capped the scoring drive with a 37-yard field goal.

The kicker has made all seven of his field goal attempts this season.

The Ticats started the second in scoring position but had to settle for a field goal after a pass knock down by Lions defensive back Loucheiz Purifoy. Small's 14-yard kick temporarily tied the game at 3-3.

A nine-play, 76-yard scoring drive put B.C. up once again. Rourke sent a blistering 14-yard toss to Jevon Cottoy in the end zone for the QB's league-leading 13 touchdown