GAZETTE, PETE MARTIN - A Southern Bombers ballcarrier is dragged down by Northern Combines during the annual Garbage Bowl football game on New Year’s Day in Montreal West.

Combines snap losing streak
Northern squad wins 44th annual Garbage Bowl

STUART COWAN
THE GAZETTE
MONTREAL WEST Al Bishop had more than a few sore muscles after playing in the 44th annual Garbage Bowl football game New Year’s Day.
For Bishop, 28, it was the first time he had put on football pads and a helmet since playing for Levack High School in Sudbury, Ont.
“I was a little sore afterward,” the ND.G resident said. “I had muscles aching that I didn’t even know I had.”
But for,Bishop and his Northern Combines teammates, the pain was well worth it as they defeated the Southern Bombers 14-0 on a snow- and ice-covered field at Royal West Academy. The victory put an end to the Combines’ nine-year losing streak at the annual charity event.
“We were patient,” said the Combines’ Ed Smith. “It was all part of the setup. Actually, patient is the understatement of the century.
“But there are really no losers in this game,” Smith added. “It’s a great game, a great day and a great cause. How can anyone lose?”
Garbage Bowl committee member Donna Stafford said the money raised at this year’s game hasn’t been totalled yet but added that last year’s game raised $19,000 for local children’s charities.
Money is raised through door-to- door canvassing in Montreal West, program advertising sales, the sale of T-shirts and buttons at the game, as well as various other fundraising events throughout the year.
“It was a sunny day this year but very cold,” Stafford said. “But we still had a great turnout.”
The Combines had a physically larger team this year and used it to their advantage throughout the game. One of the bigger players was Bishop, who stands 6-foot-3 and weighs 240 pounds.
“We had some size, that’s for sure,” the tight end said. “Plus we- had some guys who could really play. Francois Trudel (a quarterback with the Concordia University Stingers) was our QB.”
“The field was pretty icy. …  I probably should have used my skates,” Bishop said with a laugh.
The first Garbage Bowl Game was played in 1950 between a team made up of players from south of the CPR railway tracks, dressed in green pyjamas, against a team from the north, dressed in red longjohns.
The uniforms have remained the same over the years, with the South winning 23 times and the North 17. Four games ended in ties.
The junior Chateauguay Raiders and West Island Broncos donated equipment for the Garbage Bowl.
“I have to take my hat off to all the guys on both teams for getting up at 10 in the morning on New Year’s Day to get fitted for equipment,” Smith said.
“I know one thing,” he added with a laugh. “The North has got bragging rights for the next year. It’s going to be a lot of fun.”
NOTES— While the Garbage  Bowl is over for another year, donations are still being accepted. If you’d like to help, mail your cheque to: The Montreal West Garbage Bowl Association, 50 Westminster Ave. S Montreal West, Quebec,

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