Team Herald
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PANJIM: Vailankani Boys Merces, Ilhas Veterans and Alto Santacruz emerged champions in their respective categories at the inaugural Santacruz Cup, organised by Creative Peoples Sports & Cultural Club, Santacruz and played at the artificial turf ground in Santa Cruz.
In the open category final, Vailankani Boys Merces delivered a dominant performance to defeat Agnelites Pillar, 3-1. Agnelites conceded as early as the 3rd minute when Suraj converted a free-kick. From then on, Vailankani Boys took firm control of the match, with Dishant adding another and Suraj netting his second of the evening. Aryan pulled one back for Agnelites, but it was not enough to turn the tide. The champions were awarded Rs 1 lakh and trophy, while the runners-up received Rs 65,000 and trophy.
The veterans (50+) final between Ilhas Veterans and Vasco Veterans ended in a 1-1 draw in regulation time. Francis Colaco gave Ilhas the lead before Uday equalised for Vasco in the dying minutes. In the ensuing penalty shootout, Ilhas proved superior, clinching the title. They received Rs 40,000 and a trophy, with Vasco Veterans taking home Rs 30,000 and a trophy.
In the first final of the evening, Alto Santacruz were crowned inter-ward champions after edging past St Sebastian Bandh, 1-0. Harshad Surlikar scored the only goal of the match in the 12th minute. Despite repeated efforts, St Sebastian Bandh could not find an equaliser as Alto Santacruz’s defence stood firm. The victors received Rs 15,000 and a trophy, while the runners-up settled for Rs 10,000 and a trophy.