Sports

18 Juners, United Brothers Open ACL-7 Campaign with Winning Starts


Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral Sports Desk

The seventh season of the Advocates Cricket League (ACL-7) commenced on Sunday at the SAG ground in Chicalim, with competitive cricket and spirited participation from the legal fraternity. The opening day witnessed 18 Juners and United Brothers registering victories in their respective matches, marking confident starts to their campaigns.

In the first encounter of the day, 18 Juners defeated Lotlikar Lions by 15 runs in a closely contested match. Batting first, 18 Juners posted a total of 144 for 9 in their allotted 20 overs, with Viraj Tar top-scoring with 37 runs, while Abhay Rivonkar and Sahish Mahambrey contributed 21 and 19 respectively. The bowlers of Lotlikar Lions kept things tight, with Chetan Sangelkar returning figures of 2 for 25.

In reply, Lotlikar Lions managed 129 for 9 in 20 overs despite efforts from Aditya Naik, who scored 29, and Prashant Borkar with 25. Kashinath Posnaik emerged as the standout performer for 18 Juners, delivering an all-round performance by scoring 14 runs and claiming three wickets for 25 runs, earning him the Man of the Match award.

The second match saw United Brothers edge past Lawyer Challengers by three wickets in an exciting chase. Lawyer Challengers posted 148 for 7, with Shailesh Redkar scoring a solid 51 and Dattaprasad Shirodkar adding 43. Mylen Dโ€™Souza was impressive with the ball for United Brothers, picking up three wickets for 26 runs.

Chasing the target, United Brothers reached 149 for 7 in 19.3 overs, guided by a superb unbeaten knock of 73 runs off 49 balls by Dattaraj Parab, which included eight boundaries and a six. He received able support from Raghu Parab and Dattaraj Gawas, scoring 26 and 25 respectively. Dattaraj Parab was deservedly named Man of the Match for his match-winning innings.

Earlier, the tournament was formally inaugurated in the presence of the chief guest, Irshad Agha, Principal District and Sessions Judge, North Goa, while Civil Judge (Junior Division), JMFC Margao, Adv. Sabino Braganza, attended as the guest of honour. Advocates Cricket League president Adv. Iftikhar Agha briefed the gathering about the tournament, highlighting its role in promoting sportsmanship, camaraderie, and team spirit among members of the legal fraternity.

Several dignitaries including Adv. S. N. Joshi, Adv. Gajanan Korgaonkar, SAG officer Prajyot Chodankar, senior advocate Saresh Lotlikar and others were present at the opening ceremony. With competitive matches and enthusiastic participation, ACL-7 promises an exciting season of cricket that blends sporting excellence with professional camaraderie.

Sports

Vinod Phadke Outlines Vision to Strengthen Veteransโ€™ Cricket in Goa as GVCA Hosts 3rd Veterans Tournament


Panaji, Goa:The Goa Veterans Cricket Association (GVCA) is all set to host the 3rd GVCA Veterans Cricket Tournament from November 13 to 15, taking place across the SAG Chicalim and GCA Porvorim grounds. As preparations gain momentum, GVCA President and Board of Veteran Cricket in India (BVCI) Secretary Vinod Phadke has outlined a forward-looking vision for veteransโ€™ cricket in Goa.

Phadke emphasized the importance of building a stronger ecosystem for senior cricketers, with regular tournaments and improved facilities.

โ€œWe want to ensure that those whoโ€™ve contributed to the sport continue to enjoy competitive cricket with the right infrastructure and support,โ€ said Phadke.

The GVCA was founded to give opportunities to passionate players who, despite their dedication, didnโ€™t make it to the state Ranji team. It provides a platform for these athletes to continue their cricketing journey.

Phadke expressed pride in Goaโ€™s contribution to national-level veteransโ€™ cricket.

โ€œLast year, three of our players represented various franchises in the Indian Veterans Premier League (IVPL), playing alongside cricketing legends like Chris Gayle, Virender Sehwag, and Suresh Raina. Watching them compete with icons was a moment of immense satisfaction,โ€ he shared.

Under Phadkeโ€™s leadership, GVCA has been closely collaborating with BVCI to host interstate and zonal tournaments, including one successfully held in Goa in 2023. These efforts are helping to create a structured, sustainable ecosystem for senior players across India.

Acknowledging the challenges, Phadke thanked the Goa Cricket Association (GCA) and its President Mahesh Dessai for their continued support.

โ€œInfrastructure and participation are key challenges, but GCAโ€™s assistance has ensured smooth organization and growth,โ€ he added.

Looking ahead, Phadke announced plans to host more national-level veteransโ€™ tournaments in Goa, combining sport with tourism and cultural engagement.

โ€œVeteransโ€™ cricket keeps experienced players connected to the game, inspires younger generations, and sustains the spirit of cricket across ages,โ€ he concluded.

The 3rd GVCA Veterans Tournament promises not only to celebrate cricket but also the legacy of players who have kept the spirit of the game alive well beyond their prime years.

Sports

Goaโ€™s Para Athletes Shine at 9th YMCA Para Table Tennis Ranking Tournament


Campal, Goa | August 2025: Goaโ€™s para athletes once again proved their mettle at the 9th YMCA Para Table Tennis Ranking Tournament, held at the iconic Campal Indoor Stadium, with remarkable performances in both standing and wheelchair categories.

This tournament, organized by YMCA, is a celebrated platform for para athletes across the region, reflecting the organizationโ€™s ongoing commitment to inclusive and accessible sports.

๐Ÿ… Winners:

Standing Category

  • Chetan Salgaonkar
  • Gopal Naik

Wheelchair Category

  • Lloyd Fernandes
  • Vishant Nagvekar

Each athlete displayed exceptional talent, resilience, and sportsmanship, capturing not only medals but also the hearts of spectators and fellow competitors.

The YMCAโ€™s dedication to creating sporting opportunities for differently-abled athletes has played a crucial role in fostering inclusivity in Goaโ€™s sporting ecosystem. These tournaments not only promote competition but also inspire younger para athletes to dream big and pursue sports professionally.

As Goa celebrates this proud moment, it also renews its commitment to support and uplift para athletes with better facilities, training, and visibility.

Congratulations to all the winners and participants โ€“ you make Goa proud!