Cup Match fever has gripped thousands of Bermudians over the last 100 years - but now it seems that the cricket extravaganza is really beginning to filter through to the outside world.

Among the 15,000 people who gathered at Somerset Cricket Club yesterday and Thursday were scores of visitors who did their damnedest to follow the intricate rules of the game, while soaking up the truly unique atmosphere that can only be found at the annual two-day event.

Holding their complimentary cricket guideline books in their hands, which doubled as fans to beat off the heat, smiling holidaymakers, primarily from the US, took advantage of quick lessons in the sport at the specially designated visitors' stand.

For some, it was their first experience of cricket, but many said they hoped it would not be their last.

However, cricket fanatic Nigel Grinstead had no problem following the match yesterday, hailing himself from Somerset in England.

He said he had visited the Island a number of times many years ago while working for an airline, but had never been around for Cup Match.

However, Mr. Grinstead, who is vice president of Brompton Ralph Cricket Club based back in his home county in the UK, said he had heard so much about Bermuda's Cup Match event, he felt compelled to arrange a brief holiday on the Island following a business trip to New York. But the keen sportsman said he had more in mind than purely watching the Somerset vs St. George's match yesterday.

"This is an absolutely brilliant event and the Brompton Ralph cricket club back home were wondering if we could arrange some kind of event with the Somerset club here," said an excited Mr. Grinstead.

"It would kind of be a Somerset, Bermuda, versus a Somerset village game. I bet we could base it on this event here, and I'm sure we could find sponsorship. It would be great if the Somerset team here could come and visit us in Somerset, England. We could start an exchange.

"I really would like to speak to someone from Somerset Cricket Club about it while I'm here. It's a perfect opportunity."

Mr. Grinstead said he had been so impressed by the standard of cricket yesterday, and the organisation of the event, he would love to return.

He said: "It's great cricket. We think our cricket is good, but this is fast. Just like our ladies' team back home - they take no prisoners."

John and Donna Gillian, from New Hampshire, arrived on the Island on Monday totally oblivious to the Cup Match holiday.

But once they got a taste of the But once they got a taste of the game on Thursday, they could not help but go back for more. Mr. Gillian said: "We came on Thursday and just had to come back for more today (Friday). We did not know what cricket was until we came here, but we have been reading the booklet and listening to the locals, so we are trying to understand it and keep up. It's really interesting.

"We are having a wonderful time. We think Cup Match is fantastic. Everyone is so friendly."

And eating a shark hash sandwich on advice, Gayle Pulley, from San Francisco, said: "I did not know about cricket at all, but I'm beginning to pick it up."

But while the tourists only began on the Cup Match trail yesterday, thousands of Bermudians were obviously very well travelled in the holiday weekend activities. Many were decked out in their team's colours, with faces and heads painted to match, and others were barely dressed at all in a bid to either flaunt their bodies, or keep cool under the burning sunshine.

The theme of this - the 100th anniversary - Cup Match was keeping with tradition, and the majority of Bermudians, no matter what their team, complied.

Families were out in their droves with massive coolers containing their day-long supplies, comfortable chairs and portable tables. They put their feet up, watched the game and enjoyed the company of friends.

The atmosphere was relaxed, faces happy and the cricket good. And once in a while, when Somerset bowled one of their opponents out, Queen's "Another One Bites the Dust" would ring out over the loud speakers.

Kim Knights, from Friswell's Hill, in Pembroke, was definitely supporting the home side when The Royal Gazette caught up with her yesterday. Sporting red and blue hair, and with finger and toe nails painted to match, she said she took Cup Match extremely seriously.

"I'm Somerset from my head to my toes," said Ms Knights, who also had a tattoo on her back which had the word Somerset written through two love hearts. I have been here since 6.30 a.m. and I will be here until the end. Yesterday I was here the same. I love Cup Match.

"I'm making a big effort. This is my first and last 100th year and I'm not going to get another one."

Former Somerset player George Amory said he was disappointed there was not more people celebrating the 100th year.

But he said the event was good, all the same. He said: "I always have a great time."

And stall-holders, too, said business had been brisk over the two-day event. Gina Thompson had been attending Cup Match for four years doing body and face painting for revellers, and said this year her art work had been more popular than ever.

Fans were even opting to have their heads painted, and one person chose to have the Gosling's Black Seal painted on their arm.

Alana Rogers and her sister Alena Crockwell took advantage of the start of Cup Match on Thursday to launch their new event-based business Slam Dunks.

Together, they had spent two days getting their mini doughnut business off the ground, and already they said it was flying.

And at the ever-popular Crown and Anchor tables, crowds gathered in an attempt to win a few dollars during their day out in the West End. But, whether they won or not, it did not really matter - the fun was being had, anyway.

Chairman of the Cup Match cricket and treasurer of Somerset Cricket Club Anthony Bailey said the event had gone extremely well, with no untoward incidents. And he said he hoped to make contact with Mr. Grinstead to find out more about this possible bond between the two Somerset clubs, which are 3,000 miles apart.

While the game was still on-going last night, he said: "The event is going very well. We are predicting a result for Somerset.

"By the close of play, we are estimating that about 15,000 people will have come to Cup Match, however, that does not include the people we are expecting to turn out for the concert at the end. That could be 2,000 more.

"It has been a lot of work to organise - Thursday night I slept for the first time in 52 hours, but I'm happy with everything - and I'm happy with the team's performance.

"So far at Cup Match, we have not had anyone in the crowd fall down, had anyone hit by a ball, or any fights. It has gone smoothly. Everyone is just having a wonderful time."