That's the orientation of the filter in my 87 Pulsar, too. I suspect,
though, that I have fewer obstacles in my way.

I have been using Fram "Sure Grip" filters, which have a textured rubber
coating in the grip area of the filter. This makes removal by hand a breeze.

Below is a link to the best filter wrench money can buy. It's made in 2
sizes, this is the smaller one.

http://www.lislecorp.com/tool_detail.cfm?detail=1114

The problem you are having is using the wrong/cheap tool.

I put my arm between the A/C refrigerant lines and the firewall. There is a
spot where the lines angle before it runs parallel to the firewall, It's
located at the  back left-hand corner of the engine compartment. It allows
you enough room to bend your arm and reach the oil filter. I use a filter
wrench that goes over the end of the filter like a socket, you attach it to
a 3/8" ratchet wrench, you can get them at Wal-Mart. But for the first time
you may need to get underneath the car and use a large pair of channel locks
or a strap wrench due to the fact the oil filters are installed really tight
at the factory. I use a purolator Pure One filter or if I do use a fram
filter I use the gray one, The orange ones do not have a anti-drainback
valve in it. which causes more wear on the engine during startup, also I use
Mobil 1 5w30  full synthetic oil. The best oil on the market IMHO.

On spillage I drain the oil then slide the oil drain pan under the filter so
when you remove the filter the oil drains to the pan.

When installing the filter, put it on hand tight !

Striker