Inter-Village football rivalry was recently seen at its sporting best in the far-off Gulf State of Dubai. That love for one's village is eternal, was made manifest during the recently concluded Goa Inter-Village Football Tournament, when a galaxy of 'stars', both past and present, put their best foot forward, against the backdrop of lustily cheering co-villagers, to boot home glory. Eventually, it was to be an encore of last year, with holders FC Siolim (Dubai) annexing the coveted trophy for the second year on the trot after putting it across formidable Varca 1-0 in a pulsating final match. The match-winner was headed in by Piedade Fernandes off a clever floater by Kevin Fernandes. For the Siolkars, with Puma King Ellison Fernandes playing at half throttle due to injury, the brunt of the scheming and attack fell on Benjamin Rodrigues (captain) and Anthony Fernandes (vice-captain), who ended up giving stand-out performances.

Roberto Mae de Deus