Celta de Victorias ruled two divisions at the expense of Bacolod City teams, while Ma-ao United took top honors in the 6-8 division at the close of the Toys R Us-NOFA 5-a-side football festival at the back parking area at the Robinsons Place-Bacolod yesterday.

Victorias, represented by players from Don Bosco Technical Institute, defeated Andres Bonifacio Elementary School, 1-0, for the 11-12 division crown.

The 9-10 division booters from Victorias continued the mastery over ABES, winning 3-0, in the finals. Maao United underscored its status as among the province's up-and-coming clubs, averting a Victorias sweep with a narrow 1-0 win in the 6-8 championship match.

The victories were fashioned out under the sweltering heat and at a makeshift field wanting in grass, evoking images of young kids strutting their wares in football fields in African countries.

But talent was abundant and Victorias' top player Melucio Manuel Nestor proved to be the most promising booter in the 11-12 division, coming away with the Most Valuable Player award.

Jolito Asparin delivered an impressive performance, scoring in the title duel to clinch the 9-10 MVP honor. Aldrin Palomo was named top player in the 6-8 category. After topping Group C with 10 points, Maao blanked ABES, 2-0, in the semifinals to set the title duel versus Victorias-B, 2-1 winner over sister team, Victorias-A.

In the 11-12 semifinals, Victorias, mentored by multi-titled coach Reymando Baldava, trounced University of St. La Salle-B, 6-0, while ABES dumped USLS-A, 2-0.

ABES came into the 9-10 championship match buoyed by a 3-1 penalty shootout win against Minuluan-Talisay Football Club. Victorias, meanwhile, went through a wringer before finally prevailing against Ma-ao, 1-0. The weekend event serves as a prelude to a series of tournaments NOFA is organizing this month.

The provincial under-15 championship will kick off on Saturday with the Carlos Hilado Memorial State College field and West Negros College pitch being eyed as venues, NOFA deputy secretary-general Warren Concepcion said.

The under-17 championship, meanwhile, may be staged at the Paglaum Sports Complex.

The provincial girls' under-17 and boys' under-12 competitions will start March 17 at the USLS football field. *CPT

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