Basant Kale strikes gold for C Railway

Kale unleashed a blistering right-footer, from the top of the box, that went low into the right corner of the goal. All that Orkay custodian Shekhar Bangera’s dive at full stretch brought him was some dust on his shirt.

Although Kale was the Man of the Final, custodian Assumption Varella performed equally well. He effected a spectacular save on a perfectly executed volley from Orkay medio Polly Creado. His airborne save in the first minute of extra-time won him warm applause from spectators.

Orkay dominated the first half but failed to change the score-line. After the change of ends, the rejuvenated Central players produced good attacking football. Central Railways’ nippy former junior international Francis Fernandeswas the target of some physical play. Fernandes’ nose was split open by an over-enthusiastic elbow in a frantic Orkay defence comprising Jaya Salian, Remy Fernandes, Koya Amza and former junior international CP Andrew.

Central strikers Fernandes and Canute D’Silva did everything but score. Their medios Leslie Machado, Padam Lama and Kale executed several defence-splitting passes but the strong Orkay defence denied them any goal.

Sparks flew as old rivalry resurfaced but referees and senior players maintained control. Former Asian Games player Bernard Pereira, better known as `The Horse’, was the man to watch for the railwaymen.

Tata’s third: In the match for the third place, Tatas overcame Goan Sports Association 4-2 in another exciting tie-breaker. At the end of regular-time, both teams were level at 1-1.

Julian Rodrigues drew first blood for Tatas seconds before the breather. Benny Ferrao from the right curled a low cross to nippy Kalyan Sarkar, who instantly sent a through to Rodrigues. His volleyto the left corner put Tatas ahead.

Five minutes into second-half, former national coach and international Dereyk de Sousa equalised for Goans, scoring from a rebound from inside the area. Manuel Periera’s cross hit the bar and the rebound taken by Albert struck the inside of the bar and rolled back into play. Third time lucky for Goans as De Sousa slammed in at the third time of asking.

But the woodwork haunted De Sousa as the minutes ticked away. Another powerful shot from the Mahindras’ coach struck the bar.

The tie-breaker brought its share of drama and it was again only De Sousa who beat Bandya Kakade, the Tatas international custodian. Peter D’Silva, Timothy Periera and Sam Monterio failed to convert their spot-kicks.

For Tatas, John Alphonso, Melvyn Oliver and Gangadharan found the net while Sarkar and Ferrao missed the target.

Century Rayon won the Fair Play Trophy.