John Barlow, Editor

I hate to say I told you so, but I told you so.

I made a lot of bets last week in support of the Saskatchewan Roughriders and I am extremely pleased I will not be dispersing Friday’s paycheque amongst my friends.

On the contrary, those of you who foolishly wagered against the Riders can start dropping your losses off at my office any time now — and there are a few of you.

I was so sure the Riders would win on Sunday I made an extremely risky bet of my own on Saturday.

I had a ticket for Sunday’s West final and was eager to experience a Western Final at Mosaic Stadium — the first time such a game has been held in Regina since I was getting up at 6 a.m. on Saturdays to watch G-Force.

The atmosphere in Regina would be incredible. The renowned pre-game tail gate party, Pilsner overflowing like the dam on Lake Beer had burst, 30,000 stubblejumpers celebrating as though Ed Broadbent had been elected Prime Minister. It was going to be wonderful.

My Rider T-shirt, sweater, bunny-hug (yes, bunny-hug, not a hoodie) and jacket were packed, the iPod loaded with great 80s hair metal to enjoy on the mindless drive, and my watermelon paring knife was safely stowed in the glove compartment.

I even contemplated purchasing a NASA undergarment so I would not have to stop for bathroom breaks.

I had made it as far as Strathmore Saturday morning when I received an unexpected call. This mysterious caller made me an intriguing offer.

Turn around and return to Okotoks and forget the West final. In exchange, I would be given a ticket to Sunday’s Grey Cup game.

I must admit. I was at a crossroads — literally. I pulled over on Highway 1 to contemplate the offer.

It was a significant gamble. What if the Riders lost on Sunday? I would have a Grey Cup ticket to see the Stamps — worthless. On the other hand, if Saskatchewan won I could have a ticket to see my beloved Roughriders in the Grey Cup game — priceless.

Although I was giving up the opportunity to celebrate a win at Mosaic (it will always be Taylor Field) Stadium I had faith in my Riders so I swapped my West final ticket for a Grey Cup duchet and turned my car around.

It appears the bet has paid off much to the chagrin of one Paul Rockley who had to surrender his Grey Cup ticket. Poor Paul, but you can still cheer for your Flames.

However, I was wrong about one thing. I stated prior to the Canadian Football League playoffs all the Stampeder fans would be unloading their Grey Cup tickets to Rider fans for pennies on the dollar. Wow, I was way off on that one.

As of Monday, Rider fans were indeed scooping up Grey Cup tickets from forlorn Stamp fans, but Calgarians were making a hefty profit as tickets were selling for as much as $1,000 on eBay and other internet sites.

So really, this could not have worked out any better for Stampeder fans — you will make enough money off your Grey Cup ticket to buy whatever you need to drown your sorrows this week.

Meanwhile, the Riders will be celebrating a Grey Cup title in the Stamps’ dressing room. Green is the colour!

2 Recommend This Post

 Email This Post  Print This Post