MARGAO: San Antonio Warriors, Guirim were crowned champions in both, Boys and Girls categories of the Goans Hockey Junior State Championships, at Fatorda, here, recently.
Their teams registered victories in contrasting styles. In the women’s section, San Antonio warriors steam rolled Innovations Hockey Club, Margao 6 – 0 with Geeta scoring a fine hat-trick with goals in the 22nd, 41st and 69th minutes. She was ably assisted with goals from Prajwalla (43’), Kerryann (5’3) and Shruthi (56’). The half time score was 1-0.
Innovations did put up a strong fight in the first half wherein they conceded a solitary goal. However they were not able to withstand the onslaught from the Warriors and succumbed valiantly in the second half.
In the junior men’s section, San Antonio Warriors could consider themselves lucky to get the better of Young Sports, Mapusa. It was a battle royal with attacks and interceptions from both sides. In a fast paced match, it was Young Sports who shot into the lead when Santosh Vaddotti hammered a rasping drive from top of the danger zone to beat Warrior custodian Mandar. Shocked by the reversal, San Antonio Warriors stepped up their game and equalized through Francis Rodrigues in the 62nd minute.
In the penalty shoot-out, Warrior custodian was his team’s hero as he denied Young Sports from scoring three of their penalties. The Warriors ran out winners 3-1 in the penalty shoot-out to crown themselves champions.
MLA of Fatorda Constituency, Vijai Sardessai and Mayor of Margao Municipal Council, Babita Prabhudessai gave away the prizes in the presence of other dignitaries.
