The Goan Network
MARGAO
St Rita's High School, Maina-Curtorim edged past hosts Mount Mary's High School, Chinchinim 1-0 to win the St Jose Vaz Soccer Cup 2017 organized by Mount Mary's Educational Complex, Chinchinim in an pulsating final at Church grounds, Chinchinim on Monday. There was no score at the lemon-break.
Both teams played with attacking intent, essaying some exquisite passes. Striker Stewart D'Mello, who represented his school in the Subroto Mukherjee football tournament, spurned two easy chances with only rival goalkeeper to beat.
He shot wide much to the dismay of St Rita's supporters. At the other end, Mount Mary's striker Denson Fernandes who was the fulcrum of the team's attack was in poor form as he blew away easy scoring chances with rival goalkeeper at his mercy in the 19th minute. Midway in the first session, St Rita's came close to foisting the lead but Stewart D'Mello was thwarted by rival defenders in the 28th minute. Crossing over, both the teams showed urgency and there were thrills at either end.The lone goal of the final came in the 39th minute when striker Meliro who received a pass from Richie Hilario to find the goal. Goalkeeper Rahul Rebello was guilty of some poor cordination. Down by 0-1, Mount Mary's were desperate to draw level and had a golden chance but Akshay Konkre shot wide from hand-shaking distance.
Mauricio Afonso, chief coach of Dempo Sports Club and former India captain was the chief guest and gave away the prizes in the presence of guest of honour, Franco Martins, Director of Francon Marine Academy. Special guest Gregory Noronha, former physical education teacher of Mount Mary's High School, Chinchinim and Fr Jose Antonio Costa, parish priest of Our Lady of Hope Church, Chinchinim were among others present.
Individual prizes: Best t player of the final: Denson Fernandes of Mount Mary's; Best defender of final: Kane Dias of Mount Mary's; Best midfielder: Parth of St Rita's; Man of the Match: Melrio D'Mello: St Rita's High School, Maina.
