KUCHING: The softball team from SMK Green Road will play two friendlies against the visiting Bedok Green Secondary School from Singapore today.
The Singaporean team arrived Thursday on their annual field trip here and their itinerary includes the two friendly matches against SMK Green Road’s Hornets team.
The matches will involve players in Under15 and Under18 age groups.
The Hornets are coming off their breakthrough season where they won the recent state High School Senior Championship held in Mukah. They had finally dethroned St Thomas’ Secondary School which had been the Kuching reigning champions for seven consecutive years.
The Lady Hornets also had a decent season where they finished third in the recent state championship.
In their match against the visiting Singaporean, they will be fielding the same team line up which won the state’s championship and most of the senior players retained include those who have been with the team since 2010. Their offence is primarily their speed around the bases.
Catcher and captain Kautsar Untong’s ability to call the correct plays is expected to be pivotal to the team’s success. He was also a member of the state’s Pahang Sukma team.
On the offence side, the team’s three main batters, shortstop Harris Zainuddin, outfielders Amni Abhar and Zainol Ariffin are looking to contribute the runs needed to win.
To keep the opposition from scoring, pitcher Stanley Langgie’s fastball and control will be crucial.
First baseman Awangku Nazirul’s defensive ability will be one of the keys to prevent Bedok reaching the bases.
The team’s defensive scheme is based on their ability to produce double and triple-plays. They have had much success with this defence.
The current school examinations and holiday season have affected the team’s preparation but head coach Juraimie Junaidi is optimistic of his side playing to their full ability.
“I’m quite sure, despite the lack of practice time, we can give them a strong match-up,” Juraimie saidwhile expressing concern for the condition of the field as the current rainy season has made it slightly water-logged.
For the Under15 match, Aliyah Qamarinal will handle the coaching duties.