By reader Bernard Han

Catholic High’s Benjamin is first to bat. © Bernard Han.

ACS(I), Wednesday, March 28, 2007 -The boys from both schools were already at the grandstand at Catholic High when it began to pour. For a moment, it looked like there was a high chance for the game to be postponed, but clear skies resumed and the game would be played, albeit on a wet pitch.

The Catholic High players were unsettled as their coach was not able to return in time due to course commitments. It was expected when they finished the first inning trailing by 0-1.

Their coach finally arrived in the second inning, giving the boys a morale boost to see a familiar face by their side. Although they did not manage to score any runs, they held the ACS(I) boys.

Catholic High made a breakthrough in the third inning, scoring their first run to level the scores. ACS(I) were proving to be more than a match, batting and running agressively. In the end, Benjamin made an uncharacteristic error by over-throwing to third base, thus giving back ACS(I) the lead at 1-2.

The scoreline might not be in favour to Catholic High, but it was clear that they had the upper hand in this inning as the boys made three fantastic plays. Benjamin caught a straight fly ball for the first out. Leo’s pitching was too much for the next batter as he threw down his helmet unsportingly after three strikes. Hamin picked up the bunted ball and made an unhurried and accurate throw to Shaun at first base for the third out. Except for the error, none of the batters from ACS(I) made it past the first base.

The objective for Catholic High in the fourth inning was simple – score the run and hold them. The boys were gaining confidence and they stepped up to the task indeed, scoring a run despite the valiant efforts from the ACS(I) fielders. Excellent fielding from Catholic High after the changeover saw the opposing batters being put out in quick succession. The inning ended at 2-2 to set up an exciting finish.

Ming Sheen looks on as Leo prepares to hit. © Bernard Han.

It was to be Catholic High’s last chance to score in the fifth inning. They have to score the runs or face holding ACS(I) for a tie-breaker. The boys from Catholic High were unfazed at the situation and batted well enough to score 2 additional runs to take the lead for the first time. The pressure was now on ACS(I) to score.

As fatigue began to set in, Leo’s pitching became eccentric. It was not long before ACS(I) managed to score a run and load all 3 bases. It was definitely a dangerous situation for Catholic High and rightly so as the coach called for 2 time-outs in order to soothe their nerves. "Trust your fielders, let him hit," encouraged Yonghan as the boys returned to their positions.

The next pitch was a perfect one for the batter and he took the swing. The connection was good and the ball shot straight to the outfield. Unfortunately, it went towards Joshua who caught the fly ball, much to the relief of the supporters by the bench. Catholic High came from behind to win the game 4-3!

It was a very tight game which could go either way. The boys deserve a pat on their backs for a game well played.

Jon Whye (no.11) from ACS(I) bunts the ball. © Bernard Han.