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Prep report: Cape rugby rips through Tampa 39-12

By Staff | Mar 9, 2009

Given the physical nature of the sport, strong rugby teams must be well conditioned and deep. That’s now a test for the Cape Blackhawks as they head into the final three games of the regular season.

The Blackhawks overpowered the Tampa Pelicans 39-12 Saturday at the Storms Complex, but in the process, lost one of their top players, sophomore Felix Solano. He tore his Achilles tendon and is out for the remainder of the season.

The Blackhawks (6-1) continue to be on track for the state playoffs, heading into the final three regular season games.

Solano converted a five-point try for the Blackhawks in their win over the Pelicans. Tyler Aadland led with two trys and three conversions. Ryan Pigott had two trys, and Brian Zeller and Austin Luby each recorded one try.

Blackhawks coach Phillip Luby said both teams were playing shorthanded.

“My kids were much stronger,” he said. “It was not a league match so they had some kids rested, and we’ve lost four players due to injuries.”

The Blackhawks press on as they try and reach the playoffs for the second consecutive year.

They compete in the Southwest Division along with Naples, Lely, Sarasota and Pinellas County.

The divison winner clinches a playoff spot and their remains a possibility for a wild card berth.

The Blackhawks suffered their only loss of the season to Naples, but host the rematch March 28. Naples leads the division, but the Blackhawks are currently in wild-card position.

The Blackhawks visit the Pinellas Athletic Club Saturday.

n All-Star soccer: After playing three softball games last week, North Fort Myers senior Mariah Fernandez had no problem transitioning back to the soccer field Saturday night.

Fernandez tallied three goals in leading the North girls to a 5-2 victory over the South in the senior All-Star Game at Fort Myers.

Fernandez had a strong three-game week in softball, hitting 6-for-9 with a home run, triple and five RBI for the Red Knights (11-0).

The North also prevailed in the boys’ All-Star Game, 4-3.