MARGAO: Raia Sporting Club emerged champions of the 29th All Goa St Anne’s Festival Inter-Village Soccer, organised by Ponda Footballers in association with SAG, defeating Navelim Villagers Union 3-0, at Animal Husbandry ground Curti-Ponda on Sunday.
Raia took a two goals lead through Melvin Gauncar and Oilex Oliveira within 9th minutes before Navelim could settle down.
Towards the end of second half Oilex Oliveira increased the lead. Raia held an upper hand over the match but Navelim came strong in the second half. Melvin Gauncar delighted the crowd with his dribbling skills and off the ball movement.
Raia took the lead in the 4th minute as Melvin got the ball in the left flank and dribbled the winger back as his shot kissed the inside of the goalpost to make it 1-0.
Navelim tried the reorganize their team but in the 9th minute Melvin released and well measured pass to Oilex, as his first time shot beat Navelim keeper to make it 2-0. Against run of play Navelim nearly scored as Covam Lawrence long ranger shot missed the goalpost by an inch. In the resulted corner kick Clinton header was punched out by Raia keeper Guilerme.
The second half was equally balanced as both teams used the flanks to attack and Navelim made the first move as Covan released a pass on the flanks to Americo whose chipped effort was headed by Aldrich but Raia keeper saved.
In the 78th minute Raia’s Johnny gave a through ball to Oilex who dribbled a defender and shot into the goal to make the issue safe in laying their hands on the trophy.
The following prizes were awarded to Melvin Gauncar (Raia)- player of the tournament; Oilex Oliveire (Raia)- player of the final.
Chairman of Quadros Company Evencio Quadros gave away the winners’ trophy to Raia Sporting Club while GVA President Irvin Soares gave away runners-up trophy to Navelim Villagers Union.
