The annual Veterans Soccer Tournament, which concluded in Auckland on January 30, had the makings of history with Melbourne taking home The J D Maharaj Memorial Cup in Over 35s & NZFS Cup in Over 40s.
Melbourne walked away with the J D Maharaj Memorial Cup, defeating Lautoka Masters in the Over 35 division by one goal to nil. The game was full of excitement and both teams made opportunities to score, however goal keeping was to good standard.
In the Over 40s grade, it was Melbourne again who defeated BA 4 goals to nil to take home the over 40s NZFS trophy.
Organised by NZ Fiji Soccer Inc, the tournament was held at Bill McKinlay Park, which has now been upgraded to a full all-weather Turf, and other improved facilities.
There was good support from team on both sides of the Tasman and we all witnessed glorious soccer under bright and sunny days throughout the tournament. Any threat of rain was to be overcome by the new all-weather Turf, however we had good weather all the way to the finals.
The Memorial Cup matches, held for Over 35, witnessed 10 teams in the fray, while the Over 40 matches had five teams that played round robin, with Melbourne and Ba at the top to play the finals.
There was great soccer in the Over 35s grade, with teams like Levuka rising to the occasion.
The final game between the two sides was so intense with even Melbourne leading by 1-0. Lautoka came close to scoring goals and threatening to take the game into extra time, but with the experienced Melbourne team, this did not happen and the game remained 1-0 to Melbourne in normal time.
Awards over 35s
Best Manager: Ravindra from Levuka
Most Discipline Team: Lautoka Masters
MVP: Michael Maharaj from Melbourne
Golden Boot: Ramendra Dutt from Lautoka Masters
Team of the Tournament: Melbourne
Winner: Melbourne- J .D Maharaj Memorial Cup, $5000 cash & 20 Gold Medals
Runner Up: Lautoka Masters (NZFS Trophy), $1000 cash & 20 Silver Medals
Awards Over 40s
Best Manager: Ajju from Suva Masters; Most Discipline Team: Melbourne; MVP: Kini Viliame from Melbourne; Golden Boot: Josefa Masilangi from Melbourne
Team of the Tournament: BA; Winner: Melbourne- Trophy, $3000 cash & 20 Gold Medals; Runner-Up: Ba- Trophy, $1000 cash & 20 Silver Medals
Under 19
Winner: Navua; Runner Up: Lautoka
Under 17
Winner: Lautoka; Runner-Up: Nadi Eagles; Most improved Referee: Narayan Naicker
