With Cup Match Fever rapidly spreading, the Island is divided once more between St. George's and Somerset, with fans backing their favourite team.

A short walk through Hamilton yesterday showed dozens of people wearing ribbons representing both teams.

"Somerset obviously is going to win," said Geoffrey Fiella. He said he was supporting Somerset because of "team loyalty" more than anything, but he said he was still confident they would win by a significant margin.

Ralph Tucker, a St. George's supporter, disagreed. "St. George's has the steadfasts and the experience," said Mr. Tucker.

"Neither team's going to win. It'll be a draw again," said John Hans. "I'm not going. I'll be out on the water. There are too many people in one place at one time."

While most people asked were happy to tell us which team they thought would win, only a few said they followed the sport.

"It's a family tradition, I guess," said Leslie Holder Jr., who will be cheering for Somerset. "I haven't decided if I'm going yet."

LaVerne Griffin agreed saying: "It's a tradition," although she admits she hasn't kept up with the game.

"I live in St. George's," said Jeremy Roberts. "I kind of have to cheer for them or my neighbours will come after me."

Mr. Roberts said he would attend if the event was closer, but he doesn't want to travel to Somerset. "It's too crowded."

Somerset supporter Michael Smith said: "I go most years, but I'll be staying home." .He listed his reasons for staying home as "my age, my health, my wife".

"I'll be watching from home." said Georgie Hayward. She also said she would be listening to Jim Woolridge over the long weekend. "You've got to listen to the voice of the summer.

"I haven't been (to Cup Match) since I was 10," said Ms. Hayward. "I'll go to a county game, but not Cup Match. Too many people."

Despite a number of people saying that they won't be attending this year, there are many that still want to, and the

event is expected to be as popular as always.

"I'm definitely going," said Amy Brown. "It's up in my hood."

While most seemed content to cheer for their home team, not everyone had that option. Los Angeles native Scott Urner said that he wanted to see the game, but there was one minor problem he needed to sort out first.

"Where is Somerset?" he asked.