Bharati Vidyapeeth, Balewadi capped off a fairy-tale victory by annexing the inaugural Godrej Properties-Pune FC ‘The Futsal Cup 2015’ at the Freekick Turfs, Baner on Saturday.
In scoring a 2-0 victory over Vibgyor High, NIBM, the winners who confirmed their participation a few hours before the tournament kicked-off, ended up as the last team standing among the 40 schools that participated.
In the final that went down to the wire, the winners had Tejas Balwadkar make the difference with a heroic two-goal effort during extra-time. The game at full-time was locked goalless after both teams created chances but failed to finish. For Vibgyor, the strike-pair of Mithil Navlakha and Rhian Bhog proved a thorn for the victors, while Bharati Vidyapeeth’s Vishal Khanekar and Tejas Balwadkar threatened likewise.
Vibgyor’s defeat in the final was the second in a row after losing out recently in an Inter-School event in the same age category.
Earlier in the day, a goal from Mithil Navlakha handed Vibgyor High, NIBM a narrow win over City International School in the second semifinal. Meanwhile, Bharati Vidyapeeth received a walkover in their semifinal against Spicer Memorial High School.
The tournament played in the Under-12 age group, a first in the city, had a unique rule that specifically defined the inclusion of an Under-10 player in the line-up compulsorily. The idea revolved around encouraging the younger player as a potential player aimed at ‘Seeding Future Stars,’ the main motto of the tournament.
RESULTS
FINAL: Bharati Vidyapeeth, Balewadi: 2 (Tejas Balwadkar 2) b Vibgyor High, NIBM: 0 after extra time (Full Time Score: 0-0)
SEMIFINALS:
#1: Bharati Vidyapeeth, Balewadi b Spicer Memorial High School Via Walkover
#2: Vibgyor High, NIBM: 1 (Mithil Navlakha) b City International, Kothrud: 0
INDIVIDUAL AWARDS
Best Player: Mithil Navlakha (Vibgyor High, NIBM)
Best Goalkeeper: Abhishek Chavan (Bharati Vidyapeeth, Balewadi)
Top Goalscorer: Shrinivas Bhadane (Sinhagad Springdale, Ambegaon)
