Sepak Takraw QF v Hall 3

Written by Wai Sing
Photos by Wei Han
    
Our former takraw champions seemed poised on a cool Wednesday night. Expectations were as high as their confidence to better Hall 3 to reach the semis.

The first game saw us leading all the way until the end, and never looked back. Due to great serves from number 9 and fabulous control, Hall 3 just could not catch up. Our takraw players were almost taunting the opponents, which clearly reduced their confidence. The first game ended 21-17.
    
The second and third games were no stroll in the park however. Both sides were evenly matched, with the difference only in the referee and the crowd. The referee called for many standard technical fouls. But there were several unusual ones that went against us. These resulted in verbal arguments but they were harmless. It was understandable as they were key turning points that could have turned the game around.
    
We tried really hard in the second game to head for an early shower, but Hall 3 was the rightful winner. The decider game was played with much emotion and commitment. The score line was tight right until 19-19 but again, Hall 3 got the better of us.  

Badminton v Hall 16

Written by Fan Zeng
Photos by Mai Thi Ngoc Tu

Before the match, the captain and players are well prepared in the sports and recreational center indoor courts. “No matter how good the opponents’skill is, we will try our best to win the game.” A player said.

The match began at 1:00pm. The first game is men’s singles event. Our player always gets scores using active running. But the opponent is a little stronger and uses personal skills to score. In the end, we lose the first game by 0:2. The second game is women’s singles event. Our player Chu Hui Qian has a best condition and plays superbly. On the other hand, because of her ability, the opponent loses the confidence so that we win the second game. But in the next double male, female and double mixed match, because of the limited strength, we lost.

But I think the process is more important than results. Well done, badminton team!

Soccer v Hall 6

Written by Wei Han
Photos by Wei Han

An exciting match unfolded at Jurong JC as Hall XI met Hall VI in the preliminaries.

In the first half, Hall XI trailed due to a mistake by Chunji when he let the second ball bounce in front of him, letting the Hall VI striker capitalize on that to score the opening goal. At the other end, Giap missed a golden opportunity to pull the team level when he missed a penalty kick.

The second half proved to be the more exciting one. With minutes left to play, Edwin scored a header from a freekick just outside the Hall VI penalty box. Another foul was committed in the penalty box, resulting in yet another spot kick for Hall XI. Ian made no mistake this time to win the match, and it was too late for Hall VI to get anything out of the match, even though they remonstrated severely with the referee.

Volleyball (M) v Hall 9

Volleyball (F) v Hall 14

Softball (F) QF v Hall 8

Written by Wei Han
Photos by Wei Han

The femae softball team played Hall 8 in their first match of the day. With regular pitcher Yik Ying not available to play, Huiyi had to step up to the plate to pitch in the top of the first inning. Si En started the ball rolling with a solid hit and ran to first base. However, Ros was tagged out in the subsequent play, leaving Si En at second to end the first inning without any runs for either side.

The second inning was without score as well, with Pearl making a fielding error and Ren Ling scoring a hit.

The third inning was agained marked with good fielding, and Hall 11 held Hall 8 again to no runs. However, Elisa's strikeout meant that two runners were left on base, and play went to the fourth inning.

The final inning proved to be the deciding one. With bases loaded and 2 down, Pearl was walked home by the Hall 8 pitcher to score the singular, decisive run that allowed Hall 11 to face Hall 7 in the semi-finals later in the day.

Softball (F) SF v Hall 7

Written by Wei Han
Photos by Wei Han

Hall XI was first to bat in this match, and the team batted well at the start of the match to record their first two runs in the first inning. It was a pity as three runners were left on base at the end of the half inning, otherwise more runs could have been scored.

Huiyi, who was replacing regular pitcher Yik Ying, suffered from a bout of low confidence during the bottom of the first, and let in numerous walks then. Although she was replaced by Pearl in the middle of the inning, the damage was considerable, as Hall XI trailed 2-11 at the end of the first inning.

Only one run was scored during the second inning by Hall XI, as we were held frustratingly by Hall 7, ending the top of the second inning at 3-11.

This put the outcome of the game beyond doubt, as Hall 7 simply had to protect their lead for the final half inning to gain entry into the finals.

Though it was a disappointing defeat suffered by the girls, they may take heart in the fact that the team did remarkably well to enter the semis, and our hall will also be seeded next season.

Softball (M) SF v Hall 2

Written by Kah Kiat
Photos by Wei Han

The Hall 11 male softball team continued its proud tradition by reaching back-to-back finals in the Interhall Games. Along the way, it posted victories over Hall 1 and 9 in the preliminaries, Hall 15 in the quarterfinals and Hall 2 in the semifinals to reach the final once more. To the seniors, it represented a second shot (or their last shot for graduating seniors Wee Khiang and Max) at IH gold which eluded them by just 1 run last year. It was a thrilling and keenly contested final, with no side demonstrating clear dominance over the other. However, it was not to be in the end as Lady Luck shone on Hall 3, last year’s champions, once more as they edged it 6-5.

Earlier in the day, Hall 11 met Hall 2 in the semifinals to determine who earned the right to vy with Hall 3 for the championship title. It was a relatively close affair as Hall 2 demonstrated some big hitting to score some runs. Not to be intimidated, Hall 11 stuck to their plan of hitting singles and managed to score 4 runs in the 2nd inning to seize the lead 4-3. Hall 11 conceded 1 run in the top half of the 3rd inning to set the stage for a grand stand finish in the bottom half as Hall 11 came up to bat. Needing only 1 run to send Hall 11 into the final, a strategic substitution was made as Seng Wai was called upon to do pinch running in place of Wee Khiang. It turned out to be a masterstroke as Wei Long sent a ferocious drive past Hall 2’s outfielders to allow Seng Wai to steal home from 2nd base. 5-4 the final score to Hall 11.

Softball (M) Finals v Hall 3

Written by Kah Kiat
Photos by Wei Han

Hall 11 vs Hall 3. A mouth watering final on paper. Hall 11 came into the fixture as slight underdogs as they fielded no IVP players compared to Hall 3’s 5. Hall 3 settled into the match quickly as they scored 3 runs in the 1st inning while holding Hall 11 to 0. However, in typical Hall 11 fashion, they fired under pressure as they proceeded to dismantle Hall 3 in the 2nd inning as almost every batter that came to bat made hits, wiping the smug looks off Hall 3 players’ faces. A fantastic 2nd inning saw Hall 11 seize the lead 5-4. The 3rd inning saw Hall 3 with 2 players down pretty quickly. With bases 1 and 2 loaded, the batter hit a pop fly to 2nd base Wee Khiang’s position. With a golden opportunity to seal the victory, he somehow failed to make the catch, thus allowing Hall 3 a way back into the game. Hall 3 proceeded to score 2 runs and held Hall 11 to 0, retaining the title they won the previous year.

Tears flowed as players slumped in defeat. It was pretty harsh on the seniors to have gone through the same situation in back-to-back finals. An emotional team talk followed as the team huddled together to share the grief everyone experienced. Although it was a bitter pill to swallow, the team could take heart from the sheer number of rookies fielded in the 1st team that rose to the occasion. This team is one for the future and will be able to challenge for honours once again next year.