MARGAO: Curtorim Gymkhana registered a comfortable 2-0 victory over Navelim Sporting Club to lift the 30th Strikers Trophy football tournament organized by Young Strikers Benaulim, at St John the Baptist ground, Dando-Benaulim, on Sunday.
Curtorim Gymkhana were confidant right from the start and pushed Navelim Sporting on their back foot.
Navelim survived twice but their citadel finally fell in the 26th minute. Striker Stephen Fernandes was fouled at the edge of the box and the resultant free-kick was curled in past a diving Navelim goalkeeper Cleton Gomes by striker Mario Mascarenhas to put Curtorim Gymkhana into the lead.
Navelim tried hard to come back in the match with medio Alrich Coelho and Rowen Pereira working hard. The overwhelming crowds were kept on the edge but Curtorim Gymkhana doubled their lead as substitute striker Melwin Fernandes slotted in from close range following a defence splitting pass by Agnelo Martins, 10 minutes from the final whistle.
Former PWD Minister Churchill Alemao was the chief guest gave away the winners cash prize and trophy in the presence of Zilla panchayat member Benaulim Maria Rebello, GFA President Elvis Gomes, GFA vice-president (South) Schubert Furtado, GFA Executive Committee members Anthony Pango, Anthony Mam Fernandes, Bishut Themudo, Arnaldo Costa, John D’Silva, Benaulim panch David Fernandes, panch Menino de Bandar, Constantino Crasto and Fr Luis Pinto.
Earlier, Young Strikers chairman Jaju Fernandes welcomed and Filip Fernandes proposed the vote of thanks. Anthony Rodrigues compered. Curtorim Gymkhana were richer by Rs 40,000 while Navelim Sporting had to content with Rs 30,000.
The following prizes were awarded to Best defender Nevin Pereira (Navelim SC),
Best striker Stephen Fernandes (Curtorim Gymkhana), Best goalkeeper Cleton Gomes (Navelim SC), Best midfielder Nelson Gomes (St Anthony SC, Colva), Best player Rowen Pereira (Navelim SC), First scorer Mario Mascarenhas (Curtorim Gymkhana), Best defender Nevil Fernandes (Curtorim Gymkhana), Best midfielder Aldrich Coelho (Navelim SC), Best goalkeeper John Afonso (Curtorim Gymkhana), Best striker Melwin Fernandes (Curtorim Gymkhana) and Man of the final Mario Mascarenhas (Curtorim Gymkhana).
