MARGAO
All-round game by Nicholas Rodrigues and Pele Fernandes powered Benaulim Veterans into the finals of the Nazazianho Memorial Benaulim Constituency Veterans Soccer with a 5-1 win over Varca Veterans.
In the semifinal of the tournament organised by Santa Cruz Club of Cavelossim at Fr Druston and Wellington ground, Cavelossim, the first half saw a balanced game with both sides missing some easy chances to take the lead. For Benaulim, Florence Rodrigues failed to connect a goalmouth shot taken by Carashco Fernandes with goalkeeper Remo Pereira at his mercy, while Varca's Camilo Goes' powerful drive was smartly punched over by Benaulim keeper Manoj Keskar.
The deadlock was broken when Charles D'Silva took a snap shot way out of the penalty area that gave no chance to Remo Pereira under the Varca goal. The game changed dramatically in the second half when Nicholas Rodrigues dominated the half line with some brilliant dribbling and accurate passing to his forwards Pele and Patrick and in a solo move on the right flank, his stiff shot was blocked by Romeo but the ball crossed the line to increase the Benaulim lead, 2-0.
The hard-working Pele added his name on the scoresheet when he tapped in a cross by Merciano Silva. Nicholas Rodrigues scored his second goal from close, out-maneuvering Varca's Selvino and
Agnelo Fernandes in the deep defence. However, Varca's Socorro Pereira reduced the margin when he took advantage of a miskick by Loty Rodrigues to make the score 4-1.
Nicholas completed his hat-trick when he accurately lobbed the ball over the Varca keeper Remo as he moved upfront to support his forwards into the goal and earned a well-deserved victory. They meet hosts SCC Cavelossim in the finals on Sunday, July 3.
