TEAM HERALD
MARGAO: Red Ring Girls, Tamdimati squeeze past hard fighting St Mary’s Stars, Vaddie 1-0 game to emerge champions in the Benaulim Mittam Khell tournament organised by Holy Cross (Zarbo), at Zarbo Khuris ground, Benaulim.
In an engrossing battle watch by a large crowd, the local gals cheered on by their vociferous supporters held edge over their rivals in the first session but were unable to score a single point.
St Mary’s main central player Rafaelina did not allow rivals riders Jacky and Piedade any space to move.
After resumption, Red Ring Girls skipper Alina, Jacky and Kezia notched the all important game after getting past St Mary’s Stars blockers Julie, Arina and Antoneta with six minutes remaining for the final whistle.
Red Ring Girls almost got the second but Piedade was penalized by referees Mingu and Menino for an incorrect entry. St Mary’s Stars got a fine chance in the final minute but Arina was caught by Red Ring Girls’ Alina on the last line.
The winners Red Ring Girls were awarded a cash prize of Rs 3000 beside the glittering Luis Martin memorial trophy and a gift bag while the runners-up St Mary’s Stars had to settle for the cash prize of Rs 2000 and a gift bag. The chief guest Bernard Pereira, moderator, Holy Trinity Church, Benaulim gave away the prizes in the presence of Joaquim Afonso, parish council member.
The following prizes were awarded: Best losing team — Lotus Girls (Komlatolem), most promising team — Blessed Fr. Jose Vaz (Ambol/Vigrabhat), Best player of tourney — Rafaelina Rodrigues (St. Mary’s Stars Vaddie), Queen of finals — Alina Fernandes (Red Ring Girls, Tamdimati).
Earlier, president of Holy Cross Michael Rodrigues welcomed while Anthony Rodrigues compered and later proposed the vote of thanks.
