Holy Family edge past Bandra Packers

The first half was rather lacklustre with the only highlight being the 13th minute goal by left-half Glen Rodrigues which put Holy Family into lead.The second-half, however, had more thrilling moments with two goals being scored and numerous close calls.

Packers scored the equaliser in the 10th minute after the breather. Ranzie Kalicharan scored off a free-kick blinder taken from just inside the box. The instep shot curled in, from left to right, past the human wall and a stunned Holy Family custodian Augustine D’Silva.

But Holy Family were quick to retaliate. Two minutes later, forward Edgar Pereira, who came in as a substitute in the second session, scored from a melee of players, just outside the post. Pereira, with his back facing the net, swirled around and pushed the ball towards the far post. Custodian Sunil Parmar made a valiant effort, diving to his right, but failed to stop the ball.

Contrary to their inaugural match where they beat Royal Caterers, the Packers’ defence and mid-field left a lot to be desired. In fact, on numerous occasions, the Packers’ full backs were caught off their line. And it was some fine saves by Parmar which restricted their margin of loss.Holy Family on the other hand, put their inaugural match loss behind to score a fine win over the Packers. Their players played in good tandem, with their forwards making it a hard day’s work for the Packers’ defence.

Miners strike big win

Miners Sports Club won their Division II play-off at the same venue earlier in the day. They beat Bombay Republicans 4-2. Roshan Sontake starred in the Miners win with a fine brace. Narendra Sawant and Suresh Nair completed the Haul. For Republicans, Cedric Vaz and Robin Bhupendra scored one each.