UC Benaulim triumph at Varca
HERALD CORRESPONDENT
MARGAO, JUNE 6
United Club of Benaulim edged out Don Bosco Oratory, Fatorda 6-4 via the tie-breaker in the finals of All-Goa Varca Panchayat Cup inter-village football tournament organized by St Rock Sports Club, Fatrade at Varca ground, on Sunday.Benaulim made their intention clear and went on the offensive from the kick off. They shot into the lead in the 22nd minute when Carlos Fernandes’ free kick just outside the penalty box beat the wall and goalkeeper hands down.
Stung by the setback, Oratory fought gallantly and created umpteen openings and were rewarded when Steven Alphonso let go a stiff grounder in the 27th minute.
Stunned by the equalizer, Benaulim went into the attacking mode again and tested the rival goalkeeper with well measured sorties. Striker Rody muffed a sitter after being fed by Alfred Fernandes.
At the other end, Oratory had an opportunity but striker Cliff Baretto spurned the easiest of chances with only the rival goalkeeper at his mercy, shooting wide from handshaking distance.
The second half saw plenty of action in front of either goal as the teams tried to score but the defenders stood tall.
Benaulim scored through Ozie Fernandes, Carlos Fernandes, Santan Fernandes, Alfred Fernandes and Rody Rodrigues while Danny Dias, Santan Furtado and Alvito converted for Don Bosco Oratory, Fatorda .
United Club of Benaulim’s stunning efforts helped them to win Rs 30,000 while Don Bosco Oratory received Rs 20,000.
Following prizes were awarded: Highest scorer of the tournament Vincent Barbosa of Don Bosco Oratory. Best player of the tournament Steven Baptista of United Club of Benaulim. Best goalkeeper of the tournament Chudu of Wilred Leisure Sports Club, Curtorim. Best forward of the tournament Ozie of United Club of Benaulim. Man of the final Steven Baptista of United Club of Benaulim. Best defender of the tournament Danny Dias of Don Bosco Oratory, Fatorda . Best midfielder Carlos Fernandes of United Club of Benaulim. Best forward of final Cliff Baretto of Don Bosco Oratory. Best defender of final Lionel Fernandes of United Club of Benaulim. Best midfielder of final Bolvin D’Silva of United Club of Benaulim. Best goalkeeper of final Denzil Dias of United Club of Benaulim.
Advocate Valanka Alemao was the chief guest and gave away the prizes in the presence of Maria Rebello,Chairperson, South Goa Zilla Parishad, Vincentina Fernandes, Sarpanch of Varca, Anthony Pinto and Fr Luis Coutinho, Parish Priest of Varca .
