The Goan Network
MARGAO
Betalbatim Sporting Club overcome Rossman Cruz Sports Club, Nagoa 1-0 to win the Chinchinim Villagers Cup organised by Union of Chinchinim Villagers in a pulsating final at Church grounds, Chinchinim on Sunday. There was no score at lemon break.
Both the teams displayed attacking brand of soccer and kept the crowds on their toes.
As the match progressed, Betalbatim Sporting Club made inroads into the rival territory and nearly struck at the fag end of the first half when Kingsley Fernandes' thumping header was superbly saved by Rossman Cruz Sports Club goalkeeper Benson Baretto off a flag kick taken by Princeton Rebello.
Stung by that scare, Rossman Cruz took the fight instantly to the rival camp but their efforts were thwarted by rival defenders.
Crossing over, both the teams showed urgency and launched a flurry of attacks. However, rival defenders stood tall in protecting their citadel. Rossman Cruz nearly fetched the match-winner midway in the second session but Betalbatim Sporting Club goalkeeper Glen Braganza came to his side's rescue by denying rival striker Vijal Rego a sure goal and the former showed fine reflexes and anticipation to block his shot.
The all-important goal came in the 58th minute when Frazer Rogtao's power-packed shot hit the rival defender's back and eluded goalkeeper Benson Baretto.
Stung by that setback, Rossman Cruz went all out in search of the equaliser. However, the rival defence was stubborn.
Betalbatim Sporting Club were richer by Rs 30,000 and a trophy while Rossman Cruz had to settle for Rs 20,000.
Velim MLA Benjamin Silva was the chief guest. Fr Bruno Leitao, Anthony Babush Rodrigues, Proprietor Jolly Travels and ex Zilla Member,Velim Constituency and Cruz Silva, ex sarpanch of VP Ambelim were the guests of honour.
Individual Prizes
Best disciplined team: Navelim Sporting Club
First goal of the final: Frazer Rogtao of Betalbatim
Best goalkeeper of the final: Benson Baretto of Rossman Cruz Sports Club
Best defender: Neshwin Fernandes of Betalbatim Sporting Club
Best midfielder of the final: Ajay Satarkar of Rossman Cruz Sports Club
Best forward of the final: Austin Fernandes of Betalbatim Sporting Club
