Monday, July 1, 2013

Softball Mania 2013: Hawks successfully lifts title

By Janet Chia
(original submission to ntuc usports and voxsports)



Into its fourth edition, the annual Softball Mania jointly organised by NTUC Usports and Singapore Recreational Club, was held over two weekends at the Padang. The grand finals held on 30th June between Hawks and Avengers resulted in Hawks lifting the cup. The plate and bowl title was lifted by LZB and HLJS respectively.

The slow pitch mixed event has succeeded in encouraging mass participation that incorporates different levels of softball players, ranging from recreational players to fast pitch players. The prohibition of bunting and stealing of base had also  made the game safer for all.

Even with these rules in place, the competitiveness of the game is not compromised as each inning is limited to a maximum of 7 runs, and a maximum of 7 innings or 60 minutes game duration whichever is earlier, giving everyone an equal chance to play.

The grand finals playoff between strong contenders Hawks and Avengers saw Hawks leading throughout the game with a strong display of skills and techniques. The first inning saw Avengers' #19 hitting a strong bat which subsequently turned to Hawks' advantage as it gave them the opportunity to out an Avengers' member at the third base.

Eventhough the Avengers were lagging behind in points, however, they displayed exemplary sportsmanship and put up stellar attempts to catch up. With strong pitches by Avengers' #9, Hawks' #8 batter was forced out of game. In the next inning, Avengers managed to hit two spectacular, consecutive home runs by #23 and #16.

The exciting grand finals ended with 5-15 to Hawks, while the 3rd and 4th placing playoff between Nexus and Headhunters ended with 13-10 to Nexus.

Another highlight of the day is the plate title's finals playoff between LZB and UNO.

LZB, whose acronym stands for ‘Lao Zhar Bor’, meaning 'old ladies' in the Hokkien dialect is a team comprising mainly of ex-fast pitch players, had proved their unwavered strength against UNO. At one point, LZB was down by 7 points to UNO with the score standing at 0-7. However, the amazing comeback by LZB saw them winning the game with a score of 10-7.


Though there were some controversial calls by umpires in some of the games, sportsmanship were aptly displayed in respecting the umpires’ decisions. The event ended in good spirits with all teams cheering for each other.


Jubilated LZB after clinching plate title


UNO member contesting umpire's call
Bat perfect by Avengers member


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