Story and pictures contributed by reader Marvin Lowe.

Junyu (HCI, #3) connects with the ball for a single. (Photo 1 © Marvin Lowe/Red Sports)

HCI, Wednesday, May 7, 2008 – Hwa Chong Institution beat Victoria Junior College 11-6 to earn themselves a place in the final of the A Division Boys Softball Championship. HCI were undefeated throughout the tournament and were the favourites to qualify for the final. On the other hand, VJC needed to win this game and were hoping that both Raffles Junior College and Anglo-Chinese School (Independent) would stumble in their final games.

VJC started on a positive note and raced to take a 5-3 lead by the top of the third inning with consistent hitting and stolen bases. It seemed like that they were going to upset the home team and get a shot at the final. However, it was in the bottom of the third inning where the HCI magic took over and turned a fairytale into a nightmare for VJC.

When it was Yu Xuan’s (#9, HCI) turn to be on the plate to bat, he had only one thing on his mind and that was to send the ball out of the ball park. “I couldn’t tell what kind of pitch was coming at me but all I wanted to do was to hit is as hard as I can. The key was to focus on hitting the ball and not on what the pitcher was doing,” said Yu Xuan after the game. Yu Xuan’s three-run homer sent the ball flying straight through center field and out onto the main road, giving HCI the lead for the first time at 6-3.

HCI continued to pile on the pressure and they successfully got more runs along the way to extend their lead to 8-5. Next up was Benjamin Oh (#8, HCI), who blasted a two-run homer into left field where the ball landed near the tennis courts. With two spectacular home runs, HCI turned the tide and found themselves in a dominating position.

The sudden change in events sunk VJC’s morale but they were not without hope. They started their fourth inning trying to catch up. They managed a single but that was all they could muster. HCI’s captain, Josiah, then hammered in the final nail in VJC’s coffin by delivering three straight strikeouts in the final inning and HCI eventually ran out 11-6 winners to move on to the final next week.

Harng Yi of VJC swings but misses. (Photo 2 © Marvin Lowe/Red Sports)

Jing Cheng (#6, VJC) hits the ball into the outfield for a single. (Photo 3 © Marvin Lowe/Red Sports)

HCI’s pitcher Charles about to unload. (Photo 4 © Marvin Lowe/Red Sports)

Benjamin Oh (#8, HCI) delivers a two-run homer. (Photo 5 © Marvin Lowe/Red Sports)

HCI’s batter ducks from a wild pitch. (Photo 6 © Marvin Lowe/Red Sports)

Benjamin (#8, HCI) trotting home comfortably after his massive home run. (Photo 7 © Marvin Lowe/Red Sports)

Pinch hitter Zhou Bing of VJC hits and runs. (Photo 8 © Marvin Lowe/Red Sports)

HCI’s Josiah preparing to pitch out the last inning. (Photo 9 © Marvin Lowe/Red Sports)

Ed’s note: If you recognise yourself or your teammates in any of the photos, feel free to leave the names behind in the comments section and we will update accordingly. Thanks!