Date : June 21, 2008
Venue : MBS KL (1st KL ground)

After weeks of preparation and countless hours of drill practice, it was finally time for the 3rd KL Boys’ Brigade Drill Teams to show their skills. The event was held on 1st KL grounds (which is Methodist Boys' School or MBS).  Although I was not a team member but I was there to cheer for them because I was part of 3rd KL.

Our day began (as usual and most crucial) with polishing of boots and other uniform parts. Because of their “long” hair our Captain, Mr Tan Chee Keong told some of the members to get their hair cropped at our YMCA barber shop which they did so willingly. As Mr Tan always says “We must try to make everything perfect. Especially our hair, fingernails, uniform parts and so on. All the results will be really close, so that a little shave might get us the trophy.”

At 1pm we gathered our bags and boarded the bus to MBS. There were many other members of 3rd KL who were not on the team but went along to support our drill team.  Our officers including our Hon Captain, Mr Tony Chow and his wife turned out in full force.

Soon after the opening parade, the commanders of each team reported to the officer-in-charge to receive some instructions. A draw was also carried out and our turn to compete was 5th and 7th for Senior teams and 2nd for Junior Team.

The competition began with uniform inspection. The judges consisted of 5 local Police Officers and 2 BB Officers.  Soon the drill showdown started. Each drill team did their best to impress the judges. They were all good making the judges have a tough time judging.

After an impressive presentation by the Junior Drill Teams came the Seniors. However, after the 5th drill team finished, the rain started. Despite the heavy downpour the 6th and 7th drill teams were not discouraged but presented almost a perfect execution.

At the end of our drill competition and as it was still pouring, the officer-in-charge directed everyone to the Wesley Multi Purpose Hall for the judges’ comments, announcement of results and vesper. After 30 minutes of suspense finally the results were announced.

The Best Commander award for Junior Section went to the 10th KL Commander while the 1st KL Commander captured the Senior Section Award.

For Junior Section Drill team 3rd Runners-up went to 4th KL while 2nd Runners-up went to 3rd KL. 1st KL took the 1st Runners-up position and the Champion went to 10th KL.

After a thunderous applause for Junior Section teams, then came complete silence. It was time for the Senior Section drill results. 2nd Runners-up went to 10th KL Team A. Our hearts were beating fast. The MC proclaimed that “The points were very close between the 1st runners-up and the champions. It was only a 0.25 difference.” 1st KL Team A was announced the 1st Runners-up. Our hearts were now pounding. Then the MC declared with full of suspense…“and the Champion of the 2008 KL State Drill competition goes to…… (drrrrrrrrum roll…) 3rd KL TEAM A!

And at that very moment, 3rd KL, jumped and cried with absolute joy knowing that all our effort and our sacrifice had finally paid-off. Simply unbelievable! Simply marvelous! 

Wow! It was a day we would never forget.

Written by Recruit Stanley Chia of 3rd KL
Photography by Sanjay Kumar, Tan Kok Yau and Terence Tay