Storm Fares Well Against Strong Opposition

Box Score
Jersey Cape Storm 24 – Tries: Pat Hughes, Angel Sotomayor (2), Mike Fancher; Conversions: Tim Dilling, Mike Angelucci
Lehigh Valley 48 – Tries: 8; Conversions: 4


STONE HARBOR – The Storm posted a good showing Sunday against Dvision I Lehigh Valley, falling 48-24 in a see-saw match that prepared the team well for its playoff match Thursday at St. Augustine.

In Sunday’s match, Cape Storm surged back from a 24-0 deficit, sparked by the tenacious play of hooker Pat Hughes (LCMR).

In the 37th minute flyhalf Mike Angelucci (Ocean City High School) put a kick deep into Lehigh Valley’s end and the Storm put on excellent pressure, causing a turnover. After five phases, Hughes burst across the try line and touched down for a score. Wing Tim Dilling (OCHS) kicked the conversion, making the score 24-7.

Just before the half, with the Storm having driven deep into Lehigh Valley territory again, srumhalf Angel Sotomayor took a penalty tap and dove in for a try. The conversion failed and the halftime score stood at 24-12.

Lehigh Valley scored twice to open the second half, but Cape Storm rallied back to score two quick tries of its own.

Punishing outside center Mike Fancher (OCHS) – a stalwart on defense all day – finally found room to run and broke for a 40-meter try.

Four minutes later, prop Dakota Abadie (LCMR) carried several defenders on a bruising up-field run that resulted in a penalty. Sotomayor took the penalty tap and charged in for his second try of the day. Angelucci converted.

The Cape Storm coaches gave Man of the Match honors to Abadie and prop/flyhalf BJ Walker (LCMR).