Verna lift Arlem Trophy
HERALD CORRESPONDENT
MARGAO, JAN 27
Verna Sports Club beat Don Bosco Oratory, Fatorda 7-6 via the tie-breaker to emerge champs in 25th Arlem Trophy inter-village football tournament organised by Arlem Youth Association at Raia panchayat ground, recently. The teams were tied 2-2 at full time.
Verna enjoyed a lion share of exchanges in the opening session and were aggressive from the start. Verna went into the lead in the 10th minute when striker John Fernandes fired home giving no chance to the rival keeper.
The early goal spurred Verna to pile pressure and tested the rival keeper with sorties. Anthony Rego doubled the lead with a stiff grounder midway in the first half.
Don Bosco were a transformed side after the change of ends with their forwards and midfielders working in tandem to put the rival defence under tremendous pressure.
Don Bosco took advantage of Verna’s relaxed attitude and striker Roger Azavedo struck a brace to put his team on equal terms.
Stunned by the equaliser, Verna tried their best but the match-winner eluded them.
In the tie-breaker, Daisly Gomes, Manuel Moniz, Anthony Rego, John Fernandes and Abel Gomes were on target for Verna while Roger Azavedo, Joao Araujo, Selwyn Crasto and M Dias converted for Don Bosco.
Verna were richer by Rs 15,000 while Don Bosco had to content with Rs 10,000.
Following individual prizes were awarded: First scorer of the finals – John Fernandes (Verna SC). Best goalkeeper – Sebastiao Furtado (Don Bosco Oratory). Best defender – Mahesh Kambli (Don Bosco Oratory). Man-of-the-match – Anthony Rego (Verna SC). Upcoming player – Welson Colaco (Arlem YC). Farewell goal – Daryl Gomes (Verna SC).
Curtorim MLA, Aleixo Reginaldo Lourenco was the chief guest. Elvis Gomes, Commissioner, CCP and senior vice-president of GFA was the guest of honour. Fr Cipriano Da Silva, parish priest, Raia Church and Anthony Pango, GFA Executive Member were special invitees. Earlier, Peter Cardozo welcomed. Sanin D’Sousa proposed the vote of thanks.
