MARGAO
Salgaocar Veterans overcome Benaulim Veterans 1-0 to win the 16th V M Salgaocar Memorial Veterans Soccer Tournament in an absorbing final at St John the Baptist ground Dando, Benaulim on Sunday. Striker Seby Vaz netted the all important goal to keep Salgaocar's hold on the trophy.
Salgaocar made a bright start with striker Seby Vaz and Steve Furtado harassing the rival defence. Salgaocar were also well served in midfield with Anthony Khambo and Mario Soares combining well. Salgaocar made the breakthrough when striker Seby Vaz capitalized on a loose ball inside the area to beat Benaulim goalkeeper Costao Silva in the 18th minute which turned ultimate the match winner.
After change of ends, Benaulim medios Bobby Crasto and Alex Alvares got going but striker Mohammed Bepari and Francisco Vodlo were ineffective. Salgaocar also defended well to protect their slender lead with Roque Carneiro and Baptist D'Mello defending their citadel. Benaulim substitute striker Pele Fernandes struck a right footer but Salgaocar goalkeeper Virender Singh made a terrific save in the dying minutes of the match.
Earlier, Chief Guest Avertano Furtado, Fisheries Minister along with Benaulim MLA Caetano D'Silva, Dr Wiseman Pinto, and Solan Furtado were introduced to the teams. Top SSC performers from Benaulim were awarded scholarships at the function at the hands of the guests.The winners Salgaocar Veterans were richer by Rs 25000 plus a trophy while the runners-up Benaulim Veterans pocketed Rs 20,000 and a trophy.
Indiavidual prizes: Best Player of the tournament: Virender Singh of Salgaocar Veterans, Best Striker of the Finals: Seby Vaz of Salgaocar Veterans, Best Midfielder of the Finals : Bobby Crasto of Benaulim Veterans, Best Defender of the Finals: Baptist D'Mello of Salgaocar Veterans, Best Goalkeeper of Finals: Costao D'Silva of Benaulim Veterans, Man of the Finals: Anthony Pereira( Khambo) of Salgaocar Veterans.
