RI's A Div softball four-peat over EJC, despite setbacks

Despite encountering speed bumps along the way, Raffles Institution (RI) stepped up a gear when it mattered, beating Eunoia Junior College (EJC) 6-1 in the National School Games A Division boys' softball final at the Jurong East Softball Field on May 20.

- David Lee

It was RI's fourth consecutive final win against the same opponents, since the NSG returned to full swing in 2022 after the Covid-19 pandemic.

RI captain Raoul Gunalan said: "We have come a long way. I've played with some players since Sec 1, and some even from primary school. It's an honour to play alongside them and I'm filled with gratitude to be able to call them my teammates.

"I watch them play in awe and I'm proud to see the team grow as players and people, and I can't thank them enough.

"We admire their (EJC) resilience and desire to keep showing who they are. Props to them for putting up a good performance, even as I tip my hat to my teammates."

Raoul had to sit out the final after injuring his thumb in the 10-0 win over Anglo-Chinese School (Independent)/Anglo-Chinese Junior College (ACSI/ACJC) on May 15.

The journey to the final was riddled with challenges - RI had to play the extra game against ACSI/ACJC after losing 9-8 to EJC in the May 13 play-off between the top two teams from the preliminary round.