TEAM HERALD
MARGAO: In an absorbing finals, Navelim Villagers Union defeated Carmona Sports Club 2-1 to win the all-Goa Chinchinim Villagers Trophy inter-village football tournament, organized by Navelim Villagers Union, at Church ground, Navelim, Saturday.
The teams were tied 1-1 at lemon break.
Navelim Villagers started in their customary attacking fashion and dominated the opening session. However, it was Carmona Sports Club who had the look of rival goal in the 15th minute when Cliffton Carvalho unleashed a superb strike which eluded the Navelim Villagers goalkeeper.
Unfazed Navelim Villagers regrouped quickly with central defender Jordan Gomes bringing them back into the match with the equalizer in the 17th minute.
Crossing over, Navelim Villagers showed good resilience and reorganized themselves against the Carmona. They intensified their attacks and repeatedly raided the rival goal.
Navelim Villagers match winner came midway in the second half when striker Alvito Colaco nodded home off well executed flag kick taken by Wilton Gomes.
Carmona made last ditch efforts to neutralized the lead but Navelim Villagers defenders stood tall on protecting the slender lead.
Navelim Villagers Union were richer by Rs 25,000 and a glittering trophy while Carmona Sports Club had to settle Rs 18,000.
The following prizes were awarded: Best goalkeeper of finals Mackles Moraes (Navelim Villagers Union), Best defender of the finals Pollyson D’Sa (Carmona Sports Club), Best midfielder of the finals Jaison Pereira (Navelim Villagers Union), Best midfielder Cliffton Carvalho (Carmona Sports Club), Man of the finals Jordan Gomes (Navelim Villagers Union).
Industries Minister Mahadev Naik was the chief guest and gave away the prizes in the presence of guest of honour Velim MLA Benjamin Silva, Antonio Sequeira, VP Chinchinim Panchayat; Sarzora Sarpanch Jacinto Fernandes and Mancy Baretto, deputy sarpanch VP Chinchinim.
Earlier, Royen Viegas, chairman of Union of Chinchinim Villagers welcomed the guests while Joe Menny Furtado, president of Union of Chinchinim Villagers proposed a vote of thanks.
In all 16 teams participated.
