CANACONA
Palolem Warriors emerged as champions of the Canacona Media Chasak 3.0, denying Royal Warriors a hat-trick of titles in a thrilling finale.
After winning the toss and electing to bat, Palolem Warriors posted a competitive 101/4 in 8 overs, powered by a swashbuckling 47* off 18 balls and an unbeaten 8 from player of the match Gauresh K. In reply, Royal Warriors, despite a star-studded line-up, collapsed under pressure, finishing at 81/7, with Sameer taking three crucial wickets in two overs. Palolem Warriors won the final by 20 runs.
Earlier, in the group stages, Hand Fighters defeated Parvati Parivar by 8 wickets, eliminating both teams from the tournament, while Canacona Titans advanced to the playoffs on a superior net run rate. In the first qualifier, Royal Warriors beat Palolem Warriors by 8 runs to reach the final, while Shivneri Strikers overcame Canacona Titans by 8 wickets in the Eliminator. Palolem Warriors then qualified for the final by defeating Shivneri Strikers by 8 wickets in the second qualifier.
Palolem Warriors received a 4-ft trophy and a cash prize of Rs 2 lakh, while runners-up Royal Warriors got a 3-ft trophy and Rs 1 lakh. Shivneri Strikers secured third place with a trophy and Rs 50,000, and Canacona Titans took home Rs 25,000 and a smaller trophy.
Individual honours went to Adarsh (Canacona Titans) as Man of the Tournament, Gaurav (Shivneri Strikers) as Best Bowler, and Sahil (Palolem Warriors) as Best Batsman.
The awards were presented by Chief Guest Laxuman Pagui (Chairperson, Canacona Municipal Council), along with guests of honour Nilesh Pagi (Sarpanch, VP Agonda), CMC Vice-Chairperson Gandesh Madganvkar, and former chairpersons Ramakant Naik Gaonkar and Simon Rebello. Also present were Panch & former Sarpanch Mahesh Naik, Canacona BJP Mandal President Prabhakar Gaonkar, Patrakar Sangh representative Babesk Borkar, and businessman Prashant Kankonkar.
On the occasion, pressman Devidas Gaonkar, cricketer Abhilash Raikar, and physiotherapist Dr. Shefali Painginkar were felicitated for their achievements.
