MARGAO
BDG Boys were crowned champions of Late Santan & Silvio Mendes Memorial football tournament sponsored by Solomon Mendes, ex-president and proprietor of Sam's Milmar Family Restaurant, Assolna, and organised by Santa Cruz Club of Cavelossim at Fr Druston and Wellington ground, Cavelossim.
BDG defeated ITS via the tiebreaker 3-2 as the match ended in a goalless draw during the regulation time.
ITS were a superior side but wayward shooting by their forwards, particularly Maven Gracias and Risban Gracias, helped BDG keep their slate clean. In the penalty shootout, Dawyn, Shariff Jacques, Savio Dias and Polly Pereira converted their kicks for BDG while Alan Fernandes, Maven Gracias and Risban Gracias scored for ITS. Captain Glenn Gracias' shot was saved by keeper Shanon to win the title for BDG.
Individual prizes: Best Goalkeeper - Shanon Pereira, 1st goal of the final - Mevan Gracias, Best Defender - Dylan Lobo, Best Striker - Winson Pereira, Promising Players - Blain Rodrigues and Joel Rodrigues.
Sr Cynthia Mendes of Ursulines of Mary Immaculate, Nasik, who is the sister of late Santan and Silvio Mendes, was the chief guest at the finals, while Fr Savio Coutinho, Principal of Our Lady of Hope High School, Vapi, Gujarat and Solomon Mendes, proprietor of Sam's Milmar Family Restaurant, Assolna, Fr Ubaldo Fernandes, Parish Priest and Cupertina Rodrigues were the guests who gave away various prizes sponsored by Sam's Milmar Family Restaurant, Assolna, Genesis Auto, Cavelossim, Viano Rodrigues, Viriato Mendes, Raju Cardozo, Simon Fernandes, Reagan Rodrigues (BDG) and Cupertina Rodrigues.
The match was preceded by an exhibition match of under-14 teams Cavelossim Warriors and Seven Fighters, which was won by the Warriors.
