On October 1st, Shillong played host to the first City Finals of RFYS 2018-19 as Nongkrem Presbyterian and Shillong College became champions in the School Girls and College Boys categories. A month on, on 3rd November, two champions from the Junior Boys and Senior Boys category were decided as St. Anthony’s HSS cruised comfortably and clinched a thrilling victory to complete the double for their institute.

The Junior Boys from Om Roy Memorial HSS were caught off guard when St. Anthony’s HSS scored two quick goals early in the first half. However, later in the first half, Om Roy Memorial HSS found back their rhythm with a goal. With the cushion of just one goal, St. Anthony’s HSS were leading 2-1 at HT with a constant threat from their opponents. However, second half began with more aggressive approach from St. Anthony’s. The third goal from Justerwell Tham was just beyond imagination with a Messi-esque effort for the goal and a Ronaldo celebration which just lit up the atmosphere of the match. The goal will surely be remembered by the team and fans for a long time.

Even then, the match was far from over. Om Roy Memorial HSS always knew they had a chance, but the chance came in the injury time. Their captain, Aman Ahlawat, scored a header in the injury time, with just 2 more minutes to go. The last two minutes were all about holding the nerves for St. Anthony’s HSS as Om Roy Memorial were on an all-out-attack mode. Finally the referee blew the FT whistle and St. Anthony’s HSS were crowned the Junior Boys Champions of Shillong.

In the second fixture of the day, Shillong College HSS faced Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya. Shillong College HSS started attacking from the word go. The strategy was clear, JNV were defending deep and waiting for their opportunity to counter-attack. Shillong College’s passing was sublime, but they couldn’t finish with finesse they needed, which saw the first half ending on 0-0. The second half, however, saw more aggression from Shillong College and this time, JVN’s defenders couldn’t hold the fort for long. Kitboklang Khyriam scored a fine hattrick with his third goal coming in the dying minutes of the match and Shillong College racked up 5 goals in the second half itself to win the trophy in a comfortable manner.

With the conclusion of City Championship phase of this tournament, the worthy winners will be in celebrating, but their preparations will resume soon as the National Qualifiers are just around the corner. Shillong’s fine brand of football and their extremely talented teams are touted to pose a serious threat to their opponents in the National Qualifiers.