RI boys hold firm to keep B Div title

Raffles Institution's boys' softball team retained their B Division title after a thrilling battle against Catholic High School (CHS), winning 9-8 at the Kallang Field Wednesday afternoon.

Despite the absence of team captain Tien Chan, 16, who was out with a torn shoulder ligament, the RI players showed their mettle by holding firm as Catholic High tried to mount a late comeback from 5-9 down in the last inning.

"They prepared themselves well and did me proud, especially since it's my birthday," coach Nelson Lim quipped. "Catholic High were worthy opponents whom we respect. The game could have gone either way."

The encounter was not the first time both teams have clashed this year. They had met in the second round of the competition, and it was another tight affair with RI winning 8-7.

Said RI's vice-captain Daryl Kow, 16: "We had strong opponents - it was a tight game and we knew it wouldn't be easy as both teams wanted to win badly."

Despite the defeat, Catholic High captain Alexander Wee, 16, said: "I'd tell my team it's okay because we gave it our all and our standards are quite close. Today, RI happened to be the winning team."

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