OLD GOA
The jerseys were presented to the rugby teams of Goa which will participate in the national rugby tournaments in December.
The jerseys were presented to the U18 boys, women and men’s team at a function organised by Goa Ruhby Union in association with V M Salgaocar Corporation, the principal sponsor of the teams.
While the U18 boys team will participate in the Junior National Rugby Tournament to be held in Bhubandeshwar-Odisha from December 10-12, the women and men’s teams will represent Goa at the Senior Nationals to be held again at Bhubaneshwar-Odisha from December 18-20.
The jerseys were presented at the hands of Ishita and Vikram Salgaocar of V M Salgaocar Corporation, and also at the hands of Mr and Mrs Trotter.
Speaking to the reporters, Ishita Salgaocar wished the teams good luck at the nationals.
On their support to Rugby, Salgaocar said, “We want to give the Goan youth an opportunity to pursue the sports of their choice. It should not hold them back because of lack of sponsor.”
Expecting a better performance from the teams, head coach Mark Fernandes informed that in the junior division, the team is ranked 7th and the aim is to better that performance. “However, the U18 girls team is not going due to the board exams,” he added.
“The women’s team is ranked 5th and the men’s team 8th and with the teams coached and trained well we are hoping to achieve a better result,” Fernandes stated.
“It’s challenging for us now as rugby is more potent sports in terms of contact. We don’t have the physical ability as the boys are of short stature but we have a lot of speed and skill which is where we our strength lies. Tactically, the teams are strong,” he pointed and thanked V M Salgaocar for sponsoring the State teams.
On her part, Mrs Trotter told the players to give their best but most importantly to enjoy their rugby.
