by
Mumbai, June 1, 2012
Reigning champions, Fr. Agnel Gymkhana, Vashi and runners-up Sea View, Bandra scored contrasting victories in their respective semi-final encounters of the MDFA organized Bombay Gymkhana-Women’s Football League (WFL) – 2012.
In the first semi-final battle between two Vashi outfits, Vashi, Fr. Agnel proved far too superior as they cruised to a comfortable 6-0 victory against their young, upcoming opponents S.P. Academy, at the Bombay Gym ground on Friday afternoon.
Sharon Fernandes led the Fr. Agnel charge with a double strike, while teammates Sujitha Murgaonkar, Michelle Castana, Domminica Gomendes and Angel Baretto, all contributed with a goal each towards the team’s march to final.
Later in the evening, Sea View exhibited plenty of determination and solid fighting qualities as they recovered from a 0-1 first half deficit to put it across Bodyline FC 3-1 and set up a summit clash with their arch-rivals from Vashi.
The semi-final contest, between Sea View and Bodyline witnessed a absorbing fight for supremacy. Both the teams adopted and attacking approach and there were quite a number of chances created at either end, especially in the opening session.
However, it was Bodyline who managed to strike first when their lanky medio Ameeta Venkat found the back of the net in the 35th minute to give her team a narrow 1-0 advantage at the end of the first session.
Sea View came back stronger after the breather and enjoyed more of ball possession. They also created the better openings and did well to successfully convert three of those chances to emerge worthy victors.
Jennifer Rayyar, who seems to have made it a habit of scoring goals, spearheaded the Bandra team’s fightback as she neutralized the lead by hitting the target in the 43rdminute. Four minutes later Sea View snatched the momentum through Nishi Singh’s efforts before Jennifer fired home the third goal in the final minute to clinch the match for her team.
On Saturday, losing semi-finalists, S.P. Academy and Bodyline will fight it in the third and fourth place match at 3.30 pm, followed by the grand finale, between Fr. Agnel and Sea View at 4.45 pm.
Semi-final results: View SC 3 (Jennifer Rayyar 2, Nidhi Singh) beat Bodyline FC 1 (Ameeta Venkat).
Fr. Agnel Gymkhana 6 (Sharon Fernandes 2, Sujitha Murgaonkar, Michelle Castana, Domminica Gomendes, Angel Baretto) beat S.P. Academy 0.
Sport in the city/around the city
Football
3.00 pm onwards, MDFA Super Division play-off matches, at the St. Xavier’s ground, Parel.
3.00 pm, S.P. Academy vs Bodyline FC, 3rd place match; 4.30 pm, Fr. Agnel vs Sea View, final, MDFA organized Bombay Gym-Women’s Football League, at Bombay Gym ground.
6.00 pm onwards, St Xavier’s Parish Ex-Students Sports Association floodlit rink football tournament, at St. Xavier’s HS quadrangle, Vile Parle (w).
