THE GOAN NETWORK
MARGAO
Curtorim Gymkhana blanked Navelim Sporting Club 2-0 to emerge champions in the 30th Strikers Trophy soccer tournament organized by Young Strikers, Benualim at St John the Baptist Grounds, Dando Benaulim on Sunday. Curtorim Gymkhana led 1-0 at the breather.
Curtorim Gymkhana started the game in right earnest from the word go and were confident to push Navelim deep into their own territory. Navelim survived two close shaves in the first quarter but their citadel fell in the 26th minute. Striker Stephen Fernandes was fouled on the edge of the box and the resultant free-kick was curled in past a diving Navelim goalkeeper Cleton Gomes by striker Mario Mascarenhas to put Curtorim in the lead.
Stung by the early setback, Navelim tried hard to come back in the match with medios Alrich Coelho and Rowen Pereira working hard. The large Sunday crowds were kept on the edge of the seat but Curtorim doubled the lead with substitute striker Melwin Fernandes slotting in from close range following a defense-splitting pass by Agnelo Martins 10 minutes from the final whistle.
Former PWD Minister Churchill Alemao was the chief guest and gave away the winners cash prize and trophy to Curtorim Gymkhana in the presence of Maria Rebello - Zilla Member Benaulim, Elvis Gomes - GFA President, Schubert Furtado - GFA Vice President South, GFA Executive Committee Members, Anthony Pango, Anthony Fernandes (Mam), Bishut Themudo, Arnaldo Costa, John D'Silva, David Fernandes - Panch Benaulim, Menino de Bandar - Panch Benaulim, Constantino Crasto and Fr Luis Pinto.
Earlier, Young Strikers chairman Jaju Fernandes welcomed and Filip Fernandes proposed the vote of thanks. Anthony Rodrigues compered.
Curtorim Gymkhana were richer by Rs 40,000 while Navelim Sporting had to be content with Rs 30000.
Individual prizes:Best defender of the tournament - Nevin Pereira (Navelim SC); Best Striker: Stephen Fernandes (Curtorim Gym); Best goalkeeper: Cleton Gomes (Navelim SC); Best Midfielder: Nelson Gomes (St Anthony's Colva); Best Player: Rowen Pereira (Navelim SC);
First Scorer of finals: Mario Mascarenhas (Curtorim Gym); Best Defender: Nevil Fernandes (Curtorim Gym); Best Midfielder:Aldrich Coelho (Navelim SC); Best goalkeeper: John Afonso (Curtorim Gym); Best Striker: Melwin Fernandes (Curtorim Gym); Man of the finals: Mario Mascarenhas (Curtorim Gym).
