The Toronto Argonauts beat the B.C. Lions 18-17 at B.C. Place. It was the first indoor CFL final and the first Argo victory in 31 years.
The Argos were not only facing a hostile crowd, but star quarterback Condredge Holloway was fighting the flu. Trailing 17-7 after touchdowns by Mervyn Fernandez and John Henry White and a Lui Passaglia field goal, Toronto coach Bob O’Billovich put in Joe Barnes in the second half, which helped get the offence moving. Kicker Hank Ilesic missed on three field goals, although two were good for singles and cut the deficit to eight.
When Ilesic completed a field goal on a 43-yard attempt in the fourth quarter, the Argos narrowed the gap further and, with four minutes remaining, Barnes hit Paul Pearson with a pass he bobbled but was picked up wide receiver Emanuel Tolbert to keep the drive alive.
Barnes then hit Tolbert at the 25-yard line and made another to Pearson on the three. With 2:44 left in regulation time, Barnes then reached Cedric Minter in the end zone, although the Argos failed on the two-point attempt.
Leading by one, the Boatmen forced the Leos to punt on their next possession and then ran out the clock.
