MARGAO
Hosts Betalbatim Sporting Club beat Sporting Club of Davorlim 4-1 on penalties to win the 5th All Goa Martin's Cup inter village football tournament organised by Betalbatim Sporting Club in an exciting final at SAG ground, Betalbatim on Sunday. Backed by a vociferous home crowd, Betalbatim sounded the warning early when striker Denzil Rogtao's shot had to be fisted away by Sporting Club of Davorlim goalkeeper Akhesh Shetty. At the other side, Davorlim came close to surging ahead when Valmiky Miranda wriggled his way in but the Betalbatim defenders thwarted his charge.
Betalbatim endured a spell of attacks from the opposition as they soaked in the pressure. Striker Paxton Gomes from the near post unleashed a shot that missed the target narrowly. Thereafter Betalbatim blew hot and cold in the contest.
The second session continued in the same vein with the teams prbobing each other's defence but the goalkeeper on either side could not be beaten. Sporting Club of Davorlim nearly fetched the match winner midway in the second half but Valmiky Miranda's goal-bound shot was saved on the goal-line by defender Selio Fernandes. With time running out, Davorlim came close again when substitute Venson Figureido's snap shot was well blocked by Betalbtim Sporting Club goalkeeper as he parried it away to safety.
In the penalty shootout, Klusner Pereira, Adriel D'Souza, Selio Fernandes and Brandon Barbosa were on target for Betalbatim Sporting Club while only Joe Gomes converted for Sporting Club of Davorlim. Betalbatim Sporting Club were richer by Rs 41,234 and a trophy while Sporting Club of Davorlim were rewarded with a prize of Rs 31,234 and a trophy.
Sports Minister Babu Ajgaonkar was the chief guest and gave away the prizes in the presence of guest of honour, Nuvem MLA Wilfred D'Sa; Mohinder Amarnath, former India cricketer; Carafina Pereira; Proprietor of Martin's Corner, Betalbatim; Nelly Rodrigues, Zilla Member, Colva constituency; Sergio Lobera, head coach of FC Goa; Fr Pascoal Afonso, Parish priest of Betalbatim church, Constancio Miranda, sarpanch of VP Betalbatim and other dignitaries.
