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Cup Match: the spirit of Bermuda shines

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Man of the moment: Janeiro Tucker celebrates with Somerset supporters after sealing his Cup Match legacy with a century

Whether you are red and blue or blue and blue, the true spirit of Cup Match is about more than just cricket.

And so it proved once again over the past two days, as revellers from near and far put their worries aside and crammed into the grounds of Somerset Cricket Club to enjoy Bermuda’s favourite holiday.

The atmosphere was as high as the summer sun, with supporters coming together as one, regardless of sporting rivalry. It evidently got a bit too hot for one spectator who ran on the pitch yesterday afternoon, wearing nothing but a small piece of cloth to hide his modesty.

He brought cheers from the crowd and laughs from the players as he shook their hands, but his day took a turn for the worse as he was led away from the ground by police, by that stage clad in a blue vest and blue shorts.

Police officers indicated he had been arrested and detained in connection with the incident.

“He was big, white and shaggy,” one witness said. “He was wearing a small red sarong. I presume he was Somerset.”

One family travelled from Spain to soak up the holiday atmosphere and visit relatives and friends on the island.

Tanny Kindelan, who is half-Bermudian, brought his whole family to Bermuda for the celebrations. He told us: “It’s been beautiful. We’ve been gambling on Crown and Anchor — the children couldn’t bet so we bet for them. We lost, but it was really exciting for them.”

“Violin fashionista” Hikari “Violin” was on the island from Vancouver shooting a music video.

She and her team had been unaware that Cup Match was happening, but the Emancipation celebration will now be featured in their film.

Hikari, dressed in Julien Fournie haute couture, said: “I have always loved Bermuda. It’s like living a dream. I’ve been coming back and forth for over a year and wanted to draw attention to Bermuda and help with its economic troubles.”

Joseph Best and Kimberley Caines, hoping for a Somerset win, turned out dressed in full red and blue regalia.

“It’s been amazing,” Ms Caines said. “This brings out the best of Bermuda — go Somerset! We’ve been here and made it for the first ball; we’re looking forward to keeping the Cup in the West. But also we can’t forget the true meaning of Cup Match: emancipation, which is still a process.”

Meanwhile, Candiss Steele had her hopes set on a St George’s win.

“I was born and raised in St George’s, and I have faith in my team,” she said. “I think they are starting to wake up.”

Ray Ming and his brother Glad, of Bermuda Strollers fame, never miss a Cup Match.

Ray told us: “It’s been fantastic, and we are looking for a repeat today of the Somerset win.

“I never miss a Cup Match. I love the atmosphere and how it brings us all together, visitors and Bermudians.”

Although the match petered out into a draw, its conclusion still prompted celebrations from Somerset supporters delighted that their team retained the trophy.

Somerset fan Selena Fields Lambert paid tribute to century-making batsman Janeiro Tucker, telling this newspaper: “I feel great. I was so pleased with Janeiro Tucker. I hope it changes his mind about retiring.”

UPDATED: Includes more quotes and details about day’s festivities

Getting the party started: the tent at Sniggles enjoys a steady flow of Cup Match customers(Photograph by Sarah Lagan)
Franck Pinel, Hikari “Violin” and Jean Paul Cauvin bring fashion and music to Cup Match as part of a music video shoot
Tucking in: the Governor, George Fergusson, and his wife Margaret, left, enjoy a Cup Match lunch with Michael Dunkley and Alfred Maybury
Rooting for West End: Joseph Best and Kimberly Caines are appropriately attired(Photograph by Sarah Lagan)
Fighting chance: Candiss Steede wears her St George’s colours with pride(Photograph by Sarah Lagan)
Sure of a Somerset win: Sandra, Ray and Glad Ming - the latter two of Bermuda Strollers fame(Photograph by Sarah Lagan)
Umpires of the peace: police keep watch at Somerset Cricket Club