As the 44th edition of the Willingdon Catholic Gymkhana annual rink football tournament unfolded at the WCG courts, the tension and enthusiasm surrounding the semi-finals reached a fever pitch. This annual sporting spectacle, known for its intense competition and passionate following, brought together some of the finest teams in the region vying for supremacy on a stage that has become a prestigious platform for exceptional talent.
In what was a dramatic and highly anticipated second men’s open semi-final, Our Lady of Health from Sahar faced off against St. Francis Xavier from Kanjurmarg. The encounter promised to be a riveting contest, with both teams showcasing skill, determination, and a desire to cement their position in the final. Our Lady of Health emerged victorious with a stunning 4-2 win, thanks to outstanding performances from their star players.
Imran Shaikh and Shafan Solkar became the heroes of the hour, each scoring a brace that effectively sealed the fate of the match. Their ability to navigate through the defense and find the back of the net twice each was a testament to their superior tactical understanding and execution on the rink. Meanwhile, St. Francis Xavier, despite their valiant efforts, could not bridge the gap. Shoaib Baig and Arvind Raj managed to score for St. Francis, but their contributions weren’t enough to turn the tide in their favor.
Prior to this thrilling encounter, the first men’s open semi-final set the tone for a day filled with high stakes and spectacular play. St. Blaise Amboli ‘B’ squared off against their counterparts, St. Blaise Amboli ‘A’, in a contest that was more than just a game but a matter of local pride. ‘Team B’ triumphed decisively with a 5-1 victory, a testament to their preparedness and teamwork.
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Sebastian Almeida emerged as a key player for St. Blaise Amboli ‘B’, scoring two crucial goals that helped his team build an insurmountable lead. Additional goals from Shreyas Zele, Rustina D’Costa, and Chrish Fernandes ensured their victory was comprehensive. St. Blaise ‘A’ battled hard and managed to pull one back through Egan Fernandes, but the damage was already done by the time they scored.
As the focus turned to the veterans, the tournament continued to deliver exciting matches filled with skill and strategy. In the veteran men’s 40-plus semi-finals, Maccabi faced off against MYJ Green in a nail-biting match that went to a tie-breaker. Maccabi held their nerve to claim a 4-2 victory. Their goal scorers—Martin D’Silva, Shannon Rodrigues, and Cozwil Cardoz—combined effectively to outlast the opposition. However, MYJ Green, with a goal from Sushant Chakravarthy, proved to be worthy adversaries until the very end.
The other veterans’ semi-final saw MYJ Orange prove their dominance with a convincing 4-0 win over Bandra Packers. Jayesh Naik led the charge with two goals, ably supported by Agnelo Picardo and Krishna Naidu, each adding one to secure the comfortable victory.
The progression to the finals underscores the relentless dedication and prowess displayed by the teams involved in the Willingdon Catholic Gymkhana rink football tournament. Spectators and enthusiasts alike have been treated to displays of sportsmanship and intense competition, defining the spirit of the tournament. With the finals approaching, anticipation continues to build, as the contending teams—St. Blaise and Our Lady of Health—prepare for what promises to be a grand finale, packing excitement and drama akin to what has been a tournament to remember.
