Team Herald
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BENAULIM: St Anthony SC, Assolda defeated Curtorim Gymkhana 5-4 via tie-breaker in finals to lift the 20th Benaulim Villagers Cup at St John the Baptist Dando ground, Benaulim, recently.
Both teams played attacking football from the first whistle.
St Anthony SC could have taken a 4th minute lead but Fheza Fernandes effort was timely grounded by rival defender Neville Fernandes with a well time tackle.
At the other end, Curtorim Gymkhana almost scored the lead in the 24th minute but only to see Savio Fernnades’ effort his post.
Minutes later, Savio once again saw his effort sail over the bar, before playing a quick one-two with Johny Gomes.
Surprisingly, at the half-hour mark, the Assolda team scored Fheza Fernandes with a neat placement.
Crossing over, Curtorim Gymkhana went all out in search of the equalizer and scored it though Savio in the 67th minute off Velson Fernandes cross.
In the tie-breaker, St Anthony SC Assolda netted through Agnes Vaz, Johnson Fernandes, Vicky Fernandes and Joseph Fernandes while Clive Fernandes, Stephen Fernandes and Neville Fernandes scored for the runners-up.
The winners were awarded a cash prize of Rs, 40,000 and a trophy while the runners-up had to be content with Rs,30,000.
Individual awards: Best goalkeeper of the tournament: Basher Fernandes (St Anthony SC, Assolda); Best goalkeeper of final: Johnson Bhagat ( Curtorim Gymkhana); Best half of the tournament: Bonny Niasso (SC Davorlim); Best player the finals: Savio Fernandes (Curtorim Gymkhana); Best defender of final: Nelson Fernandes (Curtorim Gymkhana); Best defender of the tournament: Velson Fernandes (Curtorim Gymkhana); First goal of the final: Fheza Gomes (St Anthony SC, Assolda); First hat-trick of the tournament: Jonus D’Costa (Varca SC).
Former PWD minster Churchill Alemao was the chief guest for the finals and gave away the prizes to the winners and runners-up in the presence of special invitee GFA executive member, Jaju Fernandes, Colva VP sarpach Menino Fernandes, Benaulim VP sarpanch Remy Fernandes, GFA executive member Anthony Pango, Anthony Fernandes and Arnaldo Costa.
