CALANGUTE, FEB 28
Diocesan Priests trounced Candolim Veterans 4-2 in a friendly football match organised by Candolim Parishioners at Dr Gustavo Monteiro Stadium, Candolim on Sunday.
Diocesan Priests enjoyed an upper hand in the initial stages and succeeded in breaking the deadlock in the 17th minute through Fr Noel D’Costa. Fr Jason had a golden opportunity to double the lead but he failed to score. Candolim keeper Xavier too came to his side’s rescue time and again.
Changing over, Diocesan Priests continued their dominance and doubled the lead through Fr Valentine Alvares in the 50th minute. Fr Valentine once again netted in the 15th minute.
Down by three goals, Candolim fought back and reduced the margin through Shankar Palienkar in the 67th minute.
Fr Valentine scored his third goal to complete a hat-trick and give Diocesan Priests a comfortable 4-1 win.
Candolim did not give up the fight and kept attacking the rival citadel but their ever agile keeper Fr Benjamin Victoria kept the rivals at bay with brilliant saves. With time ticking out, Candolim scored another goal through Manuel Lopes to narrow the defeat margin to 2-4.
Following individual prizes were awarded: Fr Noel D’Costa (first scorer). Fr Valentine Alvares (man-of-the-match). Fr Tony Salema, Rector, Saligao Seminary was the chief guest and gave away the prizes in the presence of Agnelo Fernandes, EDC chairman and MLA, Calangute.
The teams were introduced to the chief guest in the presence of Fr Tony D’Mello, Sr Neomi Castelino, Agnelo Fernandes, Sandra Fialho, deputy sarpanch of Candolim, panch members and other dignitaries. Fr Romualdo Robin Rodrigues, parish priest, Our Lady of Good Hope Church, Candolim kicked off the match. A live band, Micky Mouse and Donald Duck provided good entertainment. The event was witnessed by a large Sunday crowd.
Fr Victor Rodrigues, assistant parish priest, Our Lady of Good Hope Church, Candolim proposed the vote of thanks.
