TEAM HERALD
sports@herald-goa.com
MARGAO: A four goal blitz by striker Denzil Rogtao helped Betalbatim Sporting Club overcome Verna Sports Club 4-3 and sail into the quarter-finals of All-Goa Nuvem Panchayat Cup inter-village football tournament organized by Parish Youth of Nuvem at church ground, Nuvem, Tuesday. The teams were tied 2-2 at the lemon break.
The teams started on an attacking mode and kept the crowd on their toes. Betalbatim forged ahead in the 15th minute when Denzil punished the rival goalkeeper with a snap shot after being fed by midfielder Desmond Fernandes.
Verna regrouped quickly and instantly took the fight to the rival camp. Persistent forays paid off the dividends when striker Myron Fernandes raced past a couple of defenders and his shot found the roof of the net.
Stunned by the equalizer, Betalbatim intensified their forays and swarmed all over the rival territory and their efforts bore fruits when Denzil Rogtao struck the second time and also completed his brace. However, their joy was shortlived as Necidade Moniz restored parity beating the rival goalkeeper with a deft placement.
Crossing over, Denzil Rogtao who was in the thick of action struck his hat-trick.
After taking a 3-2 cushion, Betalbatim upped the ante and Denzil put the issue beyond doubt when his volley crashed into the net.
Verna went all out and reduced the deficit when Santan Rego slotted past the rival goalkeeper with a rasping shot.
