Having stormed their way through the IHG so far, the softball boys faced Hall 3 in the semi-finals on the 18th Jan 2009. Having committed so much time to training and fielding possibly the best team in years, the team was all determined to win.
Having lost the coin toss, we were asked by Hall 3 to bat first. Yet, despite having an extremely strong batting line-up, we were unable to capitalize on our strength and failed to score a single run in the first inning. But that did not pose any problems as we were even more determined to hold Hall 3 to zero runs as well. The chance came when we managed to do a double play due to a chance ball, but failed to seize the opportunity to make it a triple. In the end, we managed to minimize their number of runs to 2.
During the second inning, our performance became better and we managed to secure 2 runs in all, leveling the score to 2-2. However, during Hall 3’s turn to bat, several minor mistakes snowballed and we allowed them to score a total of 5 runs, putting us at severe disadvantage with a score of 7-2 against us.
In the final inning, it was all or nothing for Hall 2. We had to score at least 5 runs to keep the game going. As the pressure started to pile up, our batters were in danger of succumbing to their nerves. Yet despite all these, our power slugger Ahmad managed to keep his calm and score a homerun! With renewed confidence, the rest of the line-up stood, eyed the ball, waited for the right moment, and swung a few good hits, scoring another run to make it 7-4. Yet, just as hope was returning even with 2 players striked out, our last player was tagged out in his valiant attempt to reach his base from forced play.
It was not that we couldn’t become champions, nor that our opponents were too strong for us, but that it just wasn’t our day. Unforced errors, lack of real game experience and a little lack of luck overshadowed the brilliant effort and fight put up by our softball boys.
For one last time, HALL TWO HALL TWO HALL TWO! OY OY OY!
At least for this season…
Have no doubt though, our boys will not let this lie and will definitely be back next season to claim our rightful championships.
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