The Marikinians, who outlasted Southridge School, 9-8, in their semifinal duel last June 11, and the Boys from Makati, who earned the right to battle the former for the crown with a walkover victory over Rizal High School of Pasig, collide at 10 a.m.

The Makati-Marikina encounter caps a two-month, nine-team series organized by NSBAP, headed by baseball/softball great Raul Saberon and chaired by Cainta Mayor Ramon Ilagan, to revive the high school baseball program, which in the 40s until the 60s, has been the source of national players.

Makati seemed to have the edge over Marikina on the strength of its victory over the latter in the elimination round.

Rizal High, one of the educational institutions that produced many major league standouts in the past along with Arellano High, Araullo High, Abad Santos, Mapa High and Torres High, faces Southridge for third place at 8 o’clock.

Reports had it that some Rizal players had to play in the National Open softball championship organized by ousted ASA-Phil president Harry Angping on the day they were to play in the Final Four of the series supported by San Miguel Corp., Philippine Sports Commissions, Perry’s Group of Company, Philippine Star, Ralco Commercial Trading Corp., Sisigland and Tiendesitas-Ortigas Ave.

The Rizalians though have to double their effort if only to avenge their loss to the Southridge clouters in the qualifying round and bring home the bronze medal and the third place trophy.