MARGAO
United Club of Verna emerged victorious with a 3-1 win over Betalbatim Sports Club in the opening match of the Lourdes Festival Inter-village Football Tournament, held at the SAG Ground in Utorda on Sunday.
The tournament is organised in memory of the late Nicholas Rodrigues.
United Club of Verna took an early lead in the 12th minute, with Savio Pereira converting a penalty to give his side a 1-0 advantage. The score remained unchanged at halftime, with Verna holding onto their lead.
After the break, Verna extended their advantage when Elrick Fernandes scored the second goal. Jesly Moniz then sealed the victory, adding a third goal for United Club of Verna in the 70th minute, making it 3-0.
Betalbatim Sports Club managed to pull one back in the dying minutes of the match, with Nayab Khan scoring a consolation goal to reduce the margin to 3-1.
Sheldon Pereira of United Club of Verna was named the Man of the Match for his standout performance. The award was presented by Craig Rodrigues in the presence of Fr. Arvino Fernandes.
