TEAM HERALD
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PANJIM: Santa Cruz Club of Cavelossim got the better of Betalbatim Sporting 2-0 to clinch the top spot in Cavelossim Panchayat Cup football for the first time in 15 years at Fr Drunstan and Wellington ground, Cavelossim, Sunday. Cavelossim led 1-0 at half time.
A costly lapse on the part of Betalbatim goalkeeper Stefan Fernandes tilted the match in favour of Cavelossim. A long-range shot by Roland Fernandes in the eighth minute landed in the penalty area, was misjudged by Stefan and eventually bulged the net.
Stunned by the deficit, Betalbatim tried to gain control of the match. In the 29th minute, a free-kick from the edge of the penalty box by Desmond Fernandes of Betalbatim was punched to safety by Cavelossim goalkeeper Mahamud for an abortive flag kick.
In the second half, a free-kick taken by Pollison D’Sa of Cavelossim went straight into the left corner of the goal beating Betalbatim goalkeeper Stefan to seal the win for Cavelossim.
Cavelossim pocketed Rs 30,000 while Betalbatim took home Rs 20,000.
Other prizes — Best disciplined team: Sao Jose de Areal. Best goalkeeper: Mahamud Sheik (Cavelossim). Best defender: Joaquim Carvalho (Wilred Leisure). Best half of the finals: Dickson Roagtao (Betalbatim). First goal of the finals: Roland Fernandes (Cavelossim). Best performer of the tournament: Desmond Fernandes (Betalbatim). Best volunteer: Victor Cardozo (Cavelossim).
Benjamin D’Silva, MLA gave away the prizes in the presence of Caetano D’Silva, MLA, Viola Costa, Laju Miranda, Lumena Rodrigues, Brenda Pasanha, James Baretto, Fr Savio Pinto assistant parish priest of Cavelossim and others.
Earlier, a minute’s silence was observed in remembrance of Adalgiza Rodrigues, a patron member of the club. Dionizio Dias president of Santa Cruz Club of Cavelossim welcomed. Virato Mendes, secretary proposed the vote of thanks. Francis Rodrigues, treasurer compered.
The Cavelossim Panchayat sponsored Rs 90,000. Caetano D’Silva, MLA promised to see that the Community Hall project of the club under RDA would be completed in the shortest possible time. He also donated a sum of Rs 25,000 to the club.
