With a mix of sun and rain and among huge cheering crowds from the sidelines, Islamiya High School clashed against St Xavier’s High School on the birthday of Master Royceton Gomes, August 7th, in whose memory the Tournament is played every year.
The Chief Guest for the Finals match was Mr. Pandhari Parab, Corporator, Belgaum City Corporation and President of the Belgaum District Football Association (BDFA). After the Chief Guest arrived, he unflurled the Royceton Gomes Memorial Sports flag marking the close of the 39th edition of the Tournament. The Chief Guest was accompanied by Mr. Victor Periera, representative of the Karnataka State Football Association in Belgaum. The Chief Guest went onto the ground and met the players, after which the match began.
In the first half, both the teams Islamiya and St. Xavier’s played wonderfully well keeping equal possession of the ball. One could not keep their eyes off the ball, every movement was interesting. Both the teams were on top of their game. St Xavier’s created quite a few chances and attacked the opponent who defended quite well. Islamiya also missed a few attempts at St. Xavier’s goal. St Xavier’s goal-keeper Sanket Gaikwad did well to collect the ball every time until the half-time keeping the score board 0 – 0.
In the second half Islamiya had chances to score right in the beginning but St Xavier’s defenders stayed strong and defended their side of field very well. St Xavier’s forwards were working very hard taking the ball through Islamiya’s defence but were unable to get the ball in the nets. At the end of regular time, there was still no score on the board. However, in the extra two minutes given due to injuries, Sabir Pathan of Islamiya managed to sneak a wonderful goal for his side hitting a powerful shot which dropped straight into the nets which helped them claim the Winners title of the 39th Royceton Memorial Football Tournament 2018. With that winning goal, Islamiya were declared the Champions of the Royceton Gomes Memorial Cup 2018.
After the match, the Chief Guest, Mr. Pandhari Parab addressed the crowd gathered that was followed by a vote of thanks by Mr. Ryan Gomes.
The prize distribution ceremony followed by giving away the Special Prizes for the Qualifying Round.
Best Player of the Qualifying Round – Mutturaj Lagali of Phoenix Eng Med School
Best Goal-keeper of the Qualifying Round – Samarth Duradundi of KLS High School
Highest Goal Scorer of the Qualifying Round – Shravan Jadhav of Gomatesh High School
The following Special Prizes were awarded for the Main Draw.
Best Player of the Main Draw – Kaif Shaikh of Islamiya High School
Best Goal-keeper of the Main Draw – Sufiyan Mulla of Phoenix Public School
Highest Goal Scorer of the Main Draw – Kaif Shaikh of Islamiya High School
The prize distribution ceremony continued with Mr. Victor Pereira giving away the Runners-up trophies and certificates to St. Xavier’s High School, and Mr. Pandhari Parab giving away the Winners trophies and certificates to Islamiya High School. Mr. Joe Gomes, the father of Master Royceton Gomes, gave away the Rolling Trophy to Islamiya High School.
Congratulations to the 2018 Royceton Champions – Islamiya High School!
Best of luck good team