In a remarkable display of skill and teamwork, St Lawrence School (Borivli) delivered a crushing 8-0 victory over CNM School (Vile Parle) in a highly one-sided Group A fixture of the MSSA inter-school football tournament. The match, held at the St Francis D’Assisi football ground in Borivli on Friday, was spearheaded by Captain Kshitij Hasam, who netted his second hat-trick of the tournament.
St Lawrence asserted their dominance from the very start, maintaining their reputation as prolific goal-scorers. Their latest triumph marks their second consecutive win in the boys U-16 second division, having previously impressed with a five-goal performance in their opening match. The team’s ability to score at will was once again on full display, with significant contributions from several key players.
The match began with Pratik Sharma giving St Lawrence an early lead, setting the tone for what would become a goal-fest. Following the opener, Kshitij Hasam took center stage, demonstrating his finesse and expertise by adding three more goals to his tally in this competition. Hasam’s hat-trick not only showcased his individual brilliance but also highlighted his pivotal role as the team captain and chief orchestrator of the game.
Kavit Yadav and Devansh Shewale further added to CNM School’s woes by each scoring a brace, capitalizing on a series of well-coordinated plays and exploiting defensive lapses by the opposition. Together, the triumvirate of Hasam, Yadav, and Shewale ensured that St Lawrence enjoyed an unassailable lead throughout the match.
Despite their impressive offensive performance, St Lawrence’s backline still leaves room for improvement. While they have yet to concede a goal after two matches, their defense occasionally showed signs of vulnerability. Greater discipline and cohesion at the back will be essential as the tournament progresses. Nonetheless, their midfield seamlessly complemented the attacking unit, enabling fluid transitions and orchestrating creative plays that continuously put CNM on the back foot.
In another exciting second division match later that day, Aditya Birla School (Tardeo) demonstrated resilience by securing a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Golkuldham School (Goregaon).
. Golkuldham appeared to be the more threatening team initially, taking a deserved lead through Shubham Sahoo in the first half. However, Aditya Birla’s persistence paid off when Ishaan Bhartiya found the equalizer around the half-hour mark, ensuring that both teams shared the spoils in this encounter.
Returning to St Lawrence’s dominating performance, it is clear that their attacking strategy is yielding dividends. Their ability to mobilize multiple scoring threats makes them a formidable opponent. Kshitij Hasam’s leadership and exceptional goal-scoring ability have been central to their success so far. His capacity to inspire and mobilize his team has been evident in every match, and his recent hat-trick only cements his reputation as a standout player in the tournament.
Aside from Hasam’s captaincy, the contributions of Kavit Yadav and Devansh Shewale cannot be understated. Their scoring prowess not only provided a substantial cushion in the match against CNM but also showcased the depth of talent within the St Lawrence squad. The synergy among players has been instrumental in their ability to execute complex plays and maintain pressure on their opponents.
As the tournament advances, St Lawrence will aim to maintain their momentum and address any defensive frailties to enhance their overall performance. With a disciplined approach and continued offensive vigor, they are well-positioned to make a significant impact in the MSSA inter-school football tournament.
In conclusion, St Lawrence’s emphatic 8-0 victory over CNM School underscores their potential as one of the leading teams in the competition. Led by the incomparable Kshitij Hasam and supported by a cohesive and talented squad, they have set a high standard for themselves. The upcoming matches will be crucial in determining whether they can sustain this level of excellence and ultimately claim the championship title. The football community will undoubtedly keep a keen eye on St Lawrence’s journey as they continue to navigate the challenges of the tournament with skill and determination.
