By Brian Lowe, Date: 5/6/2012
The Western Storm has opened the AMNRL’s new Midwest Conference with a comprehensive 30-6 win Sunday night against the more established Chicago Stockyarders at Winnemac Park, Chicago.
After a nervous opening with both teams struggling to hold onto the ball, the deadlock was broken when the Storm’s Conor Hanley pounced on a loose ball and raced 60 yards to dot down in the left corner.
USA Tomahawks prospect Eric Hunt scored a quick fire brace of tries that was followed by a try right on halftime by his brother Kevin and the Storm took a handy 20-0 cushion into the locker rooms. The shell-shocked Stockyarders were led well by skipper James Anderson, but the momentum of the game was with the visitors.
In the second half, the Storm posted more points through captain-coach Englishman Kellen Smith, who broke away from halfway to go over under the posts and a third Hunt goal despite early pressure from a much improved Stockyarders.
The home side eventually got on the board minutes later through a bloodied Ian Rose, who crashed over in a manner that typified the brave winger’s performance with Nick Letizia converting.
Further chances to get back into the game were missed by the Stockyarders with the line begging before Haris Haslovic put the game to bed for the Storm on the final hooter to get the ball rolling in the AMNRL Midwest Conference.
