Winnipeg Blue Bombers earn a victory in first pre-season test

WINNIPEG – The Winnipeg Blue Bombers scored 23 second half points and picked up a win in their first pre-season game on Wednesday at Investors Group Field. But it wasn’t the starters or even their big free agent signings that led the Bombers to victory as the projected backups outplayed the Montreal Alouettes second stringers in the second half en route to a 36-13 victory.

Most of the Bombers top players were removed from the game by the middle of the second quarter with the Bombers trailing 7-3.

Playing in his first game since suffering a season ending knee injury last August, Drew Willy only completed three passes for 52 yards before leaving the game.

In his first game with the Bombers Andrew Harris had a 39 yard touchdown catch wiped out by a penalty flag.

“I was definitely fired up and to make a big play and to score a touchdown.” said Harris. “Obviously it was called back but it was a great day today and I’m definitely excited to see how this plays out the rest of the year.”

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "I was definitely fired up and to make a big play and to score a touchdown." said Harris. "Obviously it was called back but it was a great day today and I'm definitely excited to see how this plays out the rest of the year."

Receiver Thomas Mayo and running back Tim Flanders impressed in their first game in the blue and gold. Flanders had a short touchdown run to close out the first half. Quarterback Bryan Bennett also had a rushing touchdown while Fred Williams made a spectacular catch at the pylon for a TD to close out the scoring.

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Garrett Waggoner recorded an interception while kicker Sergio Castillo booted four field goals.

Newcomer Adrian Hubbard had one sack as he tries to win a starting job at defensive end. Second round draft pick Trent Corney finished the game with two sacks, while Jamaal Westerman had one sack before leaving the game midway through the second quarter.

“It’s really hard to assess without seeing the film but it’s always nice to come out with the win.” said Westerman. “I think everybody flew around, they were having fun. Going through camp, you work in camp, you’re practicing hard but this was the opportunity to play the game and guys went out and getting the win is always a good thing.”

WATCH: Jamaal Westerman Raw Interview

1:26 Blue Bombers Jamaal Westerman Raw

It’s only a pre-season victory but a win is a win after missing the playoffs the last four straight seasons.

“It was a big win for us.” Harris said. “It’s huge. The city needs it, this club needs it. I’ve been telling the guys to get used to it. The feeling of winning is something you need to get used to.”

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "It was a big win for us." Harris said. "It's huge. The city needs it, this club needs it. I've been telling the guys to get used to it. The feeling of winning is something you need to get used to."

WATCH: Andrew Harris Raw Interview

1:43 Blue Bombers Andrew Harris Raw

Receiver Weston Dressler did not play on offense, still nursing an injury. Offensive lineman Jeff Keeping left the game with a leg injury.

The Bombers close out their exhibition schedule on Monday in the nations capital when they face the Ottawa RedBlacks.