In a spectacular display of grit and skill, Our Lady of Health (Sahar) clinched a memorable 5-3 victory over St Joseph’s (Umerkhadi) in the men’s open quarter-final of the 44th Willingdon Catholic Gymkhana annual rink football tournament. The gripping encounter took place at the WCG courts on Thursday night, leaving fans at the edge of their seats until the very end.
The tension was palpable as the match progressed into a tie-breaker. Both teams displayed an abundance of talent and determination, with regulation time ending in a deadlock, thanks to the outstanding performances from both sides. Imran Shaikh emerged as the hero for Our Lady of Health by completing a remarkable hat-trick. Shaikh’s clinical finishing was instrumental in keeping the hopes of his team alive. Despite Shaikh’s heroics, St Joseph’s exhibited a strong comeback, as Dixit Bhoj, Sahel Tandel, and Austin Fernandes each scored a goal to bring the match into a thrilling tie-breaker.
As the game progressed into the high-stakes shootout, the talented Imran Shaikh once again stepped up to deliver when it mattered most. Alongside Rohit Pal, Shaikh converted chances into goals, etching their names in the victory ledger for Our Lady of Health. The crowd erupted in applause, celebrating a well-deserved victory in what was a tough contest between two passionate teams.
In another noteworthy quarter-final match during the same event, St Francis Xavier (Kanjurmarg) put on a dominant performance to defeat St Andrew’s (Bandra) with a scoreline of 5-3. Shoaib Baig was the standout player for St Francis Xavier, netting four goals, while Arvind Raj added a fifth to further cement their win. Despite valiant efforts from St Andrew’s, with Danzil Mascarenhas scoring a hat-trick, they were unable to overturn the deficit.
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Meanwhile, in the veterans’ category, MYJ Green faced off against IC MYJ in a tightly contested match. MYJ Green emerged victorious with a 2-0 win, courtesy of goals from experienced players Anthony Reveredo and Edilbert Martis. This match, although less high-scoring, was marked by tactical prowess and disciplined defense on both sides.
These matches highlighted the depth of talent on display at the 44th Willingdon Catholic Gymkhana tournament, an event that continues to celebrate the passion and rich tradition of sportsmanship in the region. Participants showcased not only their skills but also the spirit of fair play and competition, bringing together communities and emphasizing the unifying power of sports.
The tournament, known for its vibrant atmosphere and excellent organization, attracts teams and spectators from across the area, serving as a testament to the enduring popularity of football. The event provides a platform for budding players to gain exposure and experience, allowing them to pit their skills against some of the best local teams.
With such enthralling matches already witnessed in the quarter-finals, anticipation is building for what promises to be an exciting continuation of the tournament. Fans, players, and organizers alike eagerly await the upcoming semi-finals, which promise to bring more thrilling moments and unexpected turns.
In conclusion, the night’s matches were a celebration of local football and provided plenty of drama and excitement for the fans. Our Lady of Health’s victory over St Joseph’s, aided by Shaikh and Pal’s heroic performances in the shootout, stands as a testament to their skill and determination. Meanwhile, other matches, including St Francis Xavier’s decisive win and MYJ Green’s veteran triumph, set the stage for more gripping fixtures to come. The 44th Willingdon Catholic Gymkhana annual rink football tournament continues to be a highlight in the local sporting calendar, drawing interest and uniting communities through the beautiful game.
