SOFTBALL

National ‘B’ Division Championships
Catholic High School vs Damai Secondary School
Wednesday, 21 March 2007, at Damai Secondary

This article is written by Mr Bernard Han of Catholic High. Pictures by Mr Ian Chew of Catholic High. Thanks for the contribution!

Catholic High’s Leo Chia delivers a pitch against Damai Secondary. © Ian Chew

Catholic High School survived a tense last inning to emerge 9-6 winners over Damai Secondary School to qualify for the quarter-finals of the National Softball ‘B’ Division Championships.

The players trooped onto the softball pitch of Damai Secondary School on 21 March knowing that a win will see them top their group undefeated and a step closer to the Championship title. Perhaps the boys were too overwhelmed by the occasion, and for some reason, they were unable to settle into the game which saw Damai Secondary School lead 3-2 at a point in time. However, the coach would have none of that and after a rousing team talk, the boys began to show glimpses of their potential as the runs were chalked up.

There were several nervous moments as the big hitters from Damai Secondary stepped up to bat, but somehow, Catholic High managed to stop them from scoring. The roles were reversed at the next inning, but it was Catholic High who came out leading 9-5 instead.

It was Damai’s turn to bat at the final inning. Catholic High only had to hold them to 4 runs or less to win. It seemed like all was lost for Damai Secondary as two of their players were already striked out, when a mistake by the fielders saw the deficit being reduced to 3 with all three bases loaded. Damai’s first batter was next to step up and Catholic High were now staring at a possible defeat in their faces.  

Catholic High’s pitcher, Leo Chia, threw a beautiful pitch but the batter managed to connect his swing and send the ball bouncing towards the 3rd base fielder. Catholic High’s Kang Ha Min caught the ball and as the runner from from 3rd base sprinted past him to home, he managed to keep his nerves and ran towards the 3rd base. Catholic High let out a victorious cheer when Ha Min stepped on the base plate to put out the runner from 2nd base and thus ending Damai Secondary Shool’s hopes of creating an upset.