In a commanding display of skill and teamwork, St Lawrence High School (Borivli) delivered a comprehensive 5-0 triumph over Bombay Scottish (Powai) in the opening quarter-final of the boys under-16 second division of the MSSA inter-school football tournament. The match, held at the St Francis D’Assisi ground in Borivli on Tuesday, saw St Lawrence in control for the majority of the game, showcasing their fluid passing and well-coordinated plays to secure a dominant win.
From the very onset, St Lawrence demonstrated their intent, keeping possession and pressing high up the pitch. Their efforts paid off as they took the lead early in the match with a goal by Pratik Sharma. The goal set the tone for the rest of the game, propelling the team forward with increasing confidence and precision.
By halftime, St Lawrence had established a reassuring two-goal lead. Captain Kshitij Hasam added to Sharma’s opener with a well-timed strike, driving his team further ahead. The team’s cohesiveness and strategy were evident as they continuously thwarted Bombay Scottish’s efforts to mount a counter-attack.
The second half saw St Lawrence further extend their lead with goals from Mihir Phatak, Kavit Yadav, and substitute Dhairya Manguhiya, each adding to the scoreboard through well-executed plays. This comprehensive team effort ensured that five different players had the opportunity to celebrate getting on the score sheet. Their dominance was not merely in the scoreline but also in the manner they controlled the game’s tempo, leaving Bombay Scottish struggling to keep up.
Reflecting on his team’s performance, Captain Kshitij Hasam expressed pride in their achievements and readiness for the challenges ahead. “We played as a unit today, and it showed in the result. Each player gave their best, and it was a fantastic team effort. We are now looking forward to the semi-finals with confidence,” he said.
.
In the forthcoming semi-final clash, St Lawrence will face Holy Family High School (Andheri), who reached this stage in a starkly contrasting manner. Unlike St Lawrence’s straightforward win, Holy Family found themselves trailing for much of their quarter-final match against Sacred Heart Boys (Santacruz). It was a dramatic encounter that kept spectators on the edge of their seats.
Sacred Heart took an early lead courtesy of a goal by Rooney Mendonca midway through the first half. They managed to maintain their advantage for the majority of the game, thanks in part to solid defensive work and a determined goalkeeper. However, the later stages of the match saw Holy Family mount an impressive comeback.
Vihaan Yadav brought Holy Family level with a late goal, injecting a renewed sense of hope and urgency into their play. The pendulum of momentum swung in their favor when Dhairya Tank seized an opportunity, scoring the winning goal in the dying moments of the match.
In a dramatic twist, Sacred Heart’s captain and goalkeeper were shown a red card for using foul language at the referee, leaving the team one man down. The makeshift goalkeeper, thrust into an unfamiliar role, conceded the decisive goal in added time, sealing Sacred Heart’s fate and allowing Holy Family to edge through with a 2-1 win.
As St Lawrence prepares to face Holy Family in the semis, they carry forward the confidence of a comprehensive victory and the stakes grow higher. Holy Family, on the other hand, will need to iron out the vulnerabilities they exhibited in their quarter-final if they hope to challenge St Lawrence’s formidable form.
Football enthusiasts and school supporters await the semi-final clash with bated breath, as both teams gear up for what promises to be an enthralling encounter. With a place in the finals at stake, both St Lawrence and Holy Family will look to bring their A-game, making for a match that could very well be a highlight of the MSSA inter-school football tournament.
