Thousands flocked to Somerset Cricket Club to witness this year?s Cup Match and, despite being baked by unbroken sunshine for the two-day sporting tradition, locals and visitors were in agreement that it had been a ?must-do? event.

Tarpaulin sheets were stretched over the bleachers providing shade for those lucky enough to gain a vantage point to watch the game, but even so the heat left many wafting fans to keep the air moving or simply to stay awake as the big game rapidly took on the appearance of a one-sided affair favouring the visitors.

As the afternoon wore on there was an increasing feeling of resignation in the Somerset Cricket Club?s clubhouse about the likelihood of defeat. Drinks and food provided a welcome distraction. One Somerset supporter observed: ?The captain has got to take some of the blame. He didn?t have the batting in the right order.

?It looks like Somerset are playing for a draw. It?s St. George who should be playing for a draw because they have the cup, but they are playing to win.?

Around the cricket pitch there was barely room to squeeze past the tightly packed crowds huddled where ever there was shade to enjoy or a viewing spot to see the action. Stalls selling fries and fish kept the hunger pangs at bay, but it was those selling iced drinks, ?snowballs? and beer that seemed to be enjoying the most vibrant trade.

Amongst the novelties this year was an inflatable, walk-through ?misting station? provided by the Department of Tourism that was in constant use as match-goers ducked into the spray mist to cool down a few degrees.

It was the first time the mist-maker had been used at Cup Match and found favour with a number of users.

?You?re crazy! I?m staying here for the rest of the afternoon,? a teenage girl shouted from inside the misting station as her friends walked out.

Nearby all eyes were fixed on the Crown and Anchor tables as dollar notes from $2 up to $100 changed hands. Bets were placed, and a roll of the dice brought either good fortune or hard luck to those who placed their money on the line.

Three Bermudian men enjoying a beer apiece ribbed one another as they endured a series of losses. ?Should have gone with the diamonds,? one of the gamblers observed as his friend lost again.

?Why didn?t you tell me that before?,? replied his buddy, as his five dollars was scooped up by the banker.

Visitor Mark Taylor, from Manchester, England, was amongst the punters at the table. He said: ?I?ve never come across this before. It?s really friendly, even when people are losing. I?ve had two wins out of six so-far, so I?m going to keep trying.?

In ?Sardine Alley? there was barely room for the lines of people to squeeze past one another. A few listened to portable radios tuned in for ball-by-ball match commentary.

Every so often a spontaneous cry, augmented by air horns, signified a notable score on the cricket pitch.

And despite the presence of two former international Test umpires from England, the more exuberant supporters jumped onto the field with their team?s colours flying to herald their heroes.

One of those watching the action, said: ?Well, at least it?s an honest game. If there had been a Somerset umpire out there he?d probably be trying all sorts of things to get the scores closer.?

And another spectator, Maria Gibbons said she had enjoyed the two days even if ?the wrong team is going to win?.

She added: ?It?s something special for Bermuda to enjoy and celebrate and it brings everyone together.?

As the match ended with victory for St. George?s there were no reports from Police of any significant arrests or incidents relating to the Cup Match event.