RAIA: The United Club of Verna triumphed over Curtorim Gymkhana with a 4-1 victory, securing their place in the finals of the 51st Custodio Memorial inter-village football tournament, organised by Raia Sporting Club and played at the Raia panchayat football ground, on Friday, drawing over 3000 spectators.
Verna quickly took the lead with Stephen Satarkar scoring a long-range goal in the tenth minute. Shortly after, Jesloy Moniz’s shot for Verna was cleared by Afliio Fernandes just before it crossed Curtorim’s goal line. Verna extended their lead as Stephen scored again, followed by Clifton Rebello, making it 3-0 by the 34th minute.
In the second half, Verna fortified their defense with Cyprus Noronha, Fulganco Cardozo and Sairon Albuquerque, successfully preventing Curtorim’s strikers, Aliston Fernandes and Maldino Rodrigues from scoring on two occasions. Curtorim Gymkhana managed to score through Milagres Fernandes, making it 3-1. However, Verna sealed their victory with a final goal by Roydon in injury time, ending the match 4-1.
Roydon Rego of the United Club of Verna was awarded man-of-the-match presented by Fr Rony Fernandes, assistant parish priest and youth promoter at Our Lady of Snows Church, Raia.