The Hindu : Sport / Football : Loyola Whites bags Fr. Murphy Trophy

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Loyola Whites bags Fr. Murphy Trophy

Principal Correspondent

— Photo: K. Pichumani

HAPPY BUNCH: The Loyola Whites team posing with the Rev. Fr. Murphy Football Trophy.

CHENNAI: Loyola Whites carved out a 3-0 win over St. Joseph’s (Tiruchi) to defend its title in the ninth Rev. Fr. Murphy Trophy inter-collegiate football tournament, organised by Loyola College, at the College grounds here on Friday.

Goalkeeper R. Manoj’s egregious error cost St. Joseph’s dearly. Hardly six minutes into the match, Loyola’s Regin’s rather casual shot dangerously jumped out of Manoj’s hands and went straight to Lal Chhanchhuaha. The guest player, currently playing for Indian Bank in the ongoing senior division league, was quick to react and pushed it home. Manoj was soon replaced by Naresh Kumar.

From there on, the contest turned out to be rather taxing. Late in the second half, Loyola realised the need to push further. Pradeep glided into the danger zone and unleashed a right-footer that had grace and goal written all over it. Loyola intensified its attack and the result was the third goal by Elamurugan.

The second session saw red cards being shown to Lal Chhanchhuaha (Loyola), Gowthaman and Christu Dass (both St. Josephs).

Rev. Fr. K. Amal, S.J. Rector, Loyola College, gave away the prizes.

Other results (semifinals): Loy. Whites 4 (James Selvakumar, Manikandan, Surya Kumar, Lal Chhanchhuaha) bt Nirmala College (Ernakulam) 1 (Abdul Abithun);

St. Josephs (Tiruchi) 4 (N.S. Gowthaman, D. Vivek Manoah, Rennee Gracious, M. Satish) bt MA College (Kothamangalam) 2 (Sanoj, Eldhose) via tie-breaker (0-0 at regulation time).

Special prizes:

Player of the tournament: T. Manikandan (Loy.); Best midfielder: Pradeep (Loy); Best forward: Rathish (MA College, Kothamangalam); Best defender: Karthik (St. Josephs, Tiruchi); Best goalkeeper: Rajesh Khanna (Loy.).