The jubilant SMK Luar Bandar team posing for a group photograph with William (sixth left) and other officials.
SIBU: Defending champions SMK Luar Bandar underlined its status when it retained boys title of Sibu Division Schools Softball Championship which ended at SMK Bukit Assek yesterday morning.
It managed to fend off stiff challenge from SMK Sibu Jaya after a head-to head count.
Both schools garnered seven points but Luar Bandar took the title by virtue of beating Sibu Jaya during the head-to-head clash.
Luar Bandar also enjoyed 44 runs, with 15 runs considered, as against Sibu Jaya with 23 runs and 16 runs considered.
In the third spot was SMK Bukit Lima, also at seven points, followed by SMK Agama with five points and SMK Kampong Nangka with four points.
In the Girl’s category, SMK Bukit Lima secured seven points to take the title.
They enjoyed a runs of 41, with 28 runs considered, as against SMK Chung Hua with 49 runs and 26 runs considered.
It was also the first time for the girls’ category to be included.
SMK Chung Hua, also at seven points, was second, followed by SMK Luar Bandar, SMK Sibu Jaya, both at six points and SMK Agama with four points.
Law Hui Naong and Angeline Christy Tinggang, both form three students from SMK Sibu Jaya, were awarded the best pitchers in their respective boys and girls categories.
Speaking at the closing ceremony, Sibu Division Education Department assistant officer for sports unit William Anut reminded players to train hard and help bring glory to Sibu Division.
He said they might consider sending both teams for the coming state-level schools softball championship in Miri in April.
“However, that would still have to depend on the budget available,” he added.
He said the selection lists for the final 15 players would only be ready by the middle of April.
“When the list is out, the players will be called for centralised training. In the meantime, just do your part, train at your own schools and always aim high.”
He pointed out that Sibu only joined the state-level schools softball competition in 2007 and its best achievement thus far was the second placing last year.
“This time round, we hope to retain the second placing at least, if not the title for both the boys and girls categories.”