B Division Softball: Raffles Institution retain title with 9-2 victory over Anglo-Chinese School (Independent)

Story and photos by Marvin Lowe

Kallang, Friday, March 11, 2011 — Raffles Institution continued their reign as B Division softball champions with a comprehensive 9-2 victory over Anglo Chinese School (Independent).

RI clawed their way back from 2-1 down in the second inning after a series of fielding errors by ACS(I) gave RI what proved to be an insurmountable lead.

Rain washed out play the day before and the two-run lead RI had built up in that game was wiped clean as the final had to be replayed from scratch. Despite the postponement, storm clouds and a slight drizzle threatened to wash out play again. The wet condition made play difficult.

Choosing to field first, ACS(I) pitcher Schuyler found it hard to control his pitches and his wild pitches saw RI advancing on to base with ease. It was not long before RI scored first. However, ACS(I) protested against the run on a technicality, that the batter who scored was not wearing his helmet when he reached home plate. After a lengthy discussion, the umpires ruled in ACS(I)’s favor.

But it did not take long for Raffles to take the lead again. After a stalemate in the second inning, they scored a quick run in the third inning. ACS(I) responded with an excellent at bat in their third inning as well, managing to grab the lead with two runs in this inning.

Raffles responded strongly with three runs in the fourth inning to take back their lead at 4-2 to head into the bottom of the fourth inning with ACS(I) batting. However, ACS(I) missed out on a golden opportunity to fight back. With the bases loaded and two outs, ACS(I)’s Thomas hit a ground ball in between second and third base. ACS(I)’s Irwan managed to sprint back into home only to see his team mate tagged out at third base, ending any chance of ACS(I) scoring.

With one more inning to play, the game was still wide open with RI leading by just 4-2. However, a series of errors committed by ACS(I) gifted the title to RI. A total of five RI runs were scored off ACS(I) errors in the fifth inning, giving RI a comfortable seven-run lead. Demoralized by their mistakes, ACS(I) could hardly a muster a response.

“My captain, Ching Hao, played a very good game. He led his team by example with his batting and his fielding. He helped stopped a few crucial balls during the game,” said RI coach Nelson Lim.

“I am very happy that we won. I think the turning point for us was the fourth inning. We managed to stop them from scoring when they had runners in scoring position and that helped us to preserve our lead. I am very proud of my teammates and the way they played their hearts out today. They showed their desire to win,” said RI team captain, Ching Hao.

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