MARGAO: St Anthony Sports Club, Marna-Siolim did enough to edge out St Anthony Sports Club, Colva 2-1 to clinch the 39th Cana Benaulim football trophy organized by Cana Benaulim Sporting Association, at St John the Baptist ground, Dando-Benaulim, on Sunday.
St Anthony dominated right from the word go. In the 15th minute Dalesh Pednekar made a daunting run in the rival territory but the latter’s effort missed the target narrowly.
St Anthony continued to attack through flag-kicks but Claudio Rodrigues and Sherwin Lobo’s attempts did not materialize off Paresh Korgaonkar’s delivery.
Finally, St Anthony broke the deadlock in the 25th minute through Sangam Pednekar’s powerful grounder that hit the upright and entered the goal. Medio Paresh provided the assist.
Crossing over, Siolim dominated the proceedings and in the 40th minute, doubled their advantage through a fierce grounder by Sangam, who registered his brace after Sherwin Lobo did the spadework.
However, with five minutes for the final whistle, St Anthony SC, Colva reduced the margin through Maxon Fernandes.
St Anthony SC, Marna-Siolim were richer by Rs 50,000 while St Anthony SC, Colva had to be content with Rs 40,000.
The following prizes were awarded to Best player of the tournament Mathew Dias (Saligao SC), Best defender of the final Maxson Fernandes (St Anthony SC, Colva), Best disciplined team Saligao Sporting Club, Best midfielder of the final Rayan Fernandes (St Anthony SC, Colva), First goal of the final Sangam Pednekar (St Anthony SC, Marna-Siolim), Best goalkeeper of the final Salil Chari (St Anthony SC, Marna-Siolim), Best striker of the final Eldrich D’Costa (St Anthony SC, Siolim) and Promising player of the final Sangam Pednekar (St Anthony SC, Marna-Siolim).
MLA of Velim constituency Benjamin Silva was the chief guest and gave away the prizes in the presence of social worker Minguel Rodrigues, Benaulim ZP member Maria Rebello and other dignitaries.
Royola Fernandes welcomed. Mathew Fernandes proposed the vote of thanks.
