TEAM HERALD
sports@herald-goa.com
MARGAO: Curtorim Gymkhana lived up to their expectation defeating host St Anthony’s Sports Club, Assolda 2-0 in the final to win the 6th All Goa inter-village football tournament organized by St Anthony’s Sports Club, Assolda at panchayat ground, Assolda, on Sunday.
There was no score at half time. Curtorim Gymkhana were a superior side and enjoy the better ball possession and share of exchanges. Striker Milagres Fernandes was thorn in the rival defence and single handedly demolish the rival defence. He was the hero of the day as he struck a brace for the winners.
At the other hand, St Anthony’s Sports Club were disjointed today and disappointed the home crowd with unimpressive display. St Anthony’s Sports Club initially had a chance to surge ahead but striker Sunny Fernandes rasping shot missed the target narrowly.
Curtorim Gymkhana showed a bit of urgency in the final moments of the first half and came close in breaking the deadlock but Anthony Fernandes and Joaquim Carvalho spurn the easiest chance with only rival goalkeeper to beat. Both shot wide much to the disbelief of Curtorim Gymkhana supporters.
In the second half, Curtorim Gymkhana were much composed and started in a flurry and striker Milagres gave them a lead soon when he slotted past the rival goalkeeper with neat shot off a cross from Anthony.
Spurred by the success, Curtorim Gymkhana intensified their attacks and pushed the rival defence on back foot. Milagres doubled the lead when he outwitted couple of rival defenders and punted the ball to the far corner of the net.
St Anthony’s Sports Club did not have a single shot on goal for remaining part and goalkeeper had to make double saves to deny Milagres from registering hat trick.
Curtorim Gymkhana had couple of scoring chances to inflate their tally but their forwards blasted from hand shaking distance.
Curtorim Gymkhana were richer by Rs 40,000 while St Anthony’s Sports Club had to settle for Rs 30,000.
The following individual prizes were awarded: Best defender Savio Fernandes (Curtorim Gym), First scorer of the final Milagres Fernandes (Curtorim Gym), Best forward of the final Socorro Fernandes (St Anthony’s SC, Assolda), Best goalkeeper of the final Johnson Bhagat (Curtorim Gym), Promising player of the tournament Rosario Fernandes (St Anthony’s SC, Assolda), Man of the final Valzuino Fernandes (Curtorim Gym).
Forest Minister Alina Saldanha, was the chief guest and gave away the prizes in the presence of guest of honour Curchorem MLA Nilesh Cabral, special invitees Fr Domingos Noronha, parish priest of Paroda Church, Assolda; Sarpanch Sukash Dessai, Piety Fernandes, Jobcons Construction and panchas of VP Assolda.
Earlier, Francis Fernandes vice president of St Anthony’s Sports Club welcomed the guests while Mathew Diniz, president of the club proposed a vote of thanks.
