Team Herald
sports@herald-goa.com
RAIA: Nerul Sports Club clinched the 35th All Goa St Anne’s Festival Inter-Village Soccer 25 Trophy by defeating SAI Avtar, Anjuna, 6-5 via a thrilling tiebreaker in the final played at the Animal Husbandry ground, Curti-Ponda, recently.
In the goalless regulation time, both teams displayed strong defensive tactics and missed opportunities, with key chances from Kreepal Dhargalkar (SAI Avtar) and Nikhil Naik (Nerul SC) going off target.
In the tie-breaker, Nerul SC held their nerve and emerged as the better side from the spot.
Chief guest Dr Ketan Bhatikar, presented the prizes to the winners and runners-up in the presence of Fr Francis Rosario, Gokulam FC Coach Derreck Pereira, Josito Cabral, Assistant Director of Animal Husbandry Dr Rama Prabhu, Uday Lingutkar, Babli Mandrekar, club officials and other dignitaries.
A special felicitation was held to honour Derrick for his contributions to Goan football.
The tournament was organised the by Ponda Footballers, supported by Sports Authority of Goa and powered by Bhatikar Charitable Trust and Rising Ponda. Over 2,000 spectators witnessed the intense battle between two strong contenders from North Goa.