Bermuda’s vociferous cricket fans were out in full force at the Queen’s Park Oval yesterday.

And again they stood firmly by the Island’s cricketers through thick and thin as they felt the backlash of an Indian team in desperate need of a big win to keep their World Cup hopes alive.

“I’m really enjoying the cricket and having a good time. I think it’s been beautiful and also wonderful,” former Western Stars batsman Gregory Sampson said.

“I think the nerves are now gone and the guys seem to have settled down quite well. And they should feel good about themselves.” Crystal Minors, wife of Bermuda wicketkeeper and vice captain Dean, was also present at the ground yesterday.

“This is very exciting and has been a wonderful atmosphere and the people have been very supportive. It’s absolutely fantastic,” she said. Judy Williams, mother of Bermuda all-rounder Lionel Cann, agreed.

“It’s wonderful and I’m so excited to see my son and all of the players out there. I’m just glad that I took the time off from work to come out here,” she said.

“I am very proud of my son because ever since he played his first county game (for St.David’s in the Eastern Counties) at the age of 13 we always knew he was going to be something special.” Charlotte Harvey, fiancé of Bermuda wicketkeeper/batsman Kwame Tucker, described being at the World cup as a “once in a lifetime” experience.

“This is great experience and I’m definitely loving it. This is the first time I have experienced something like this. I am very supportive and proud of the team and I here to give them all of my support,” she said.

Karen Lottimore, mother of Bermuda opener Stephen Outerbridge, was glad yesterday to see her son make his World Cup debut.

“I am very proud to see my son out there today and also very happy to be here,” she said.

Former St. George’s Cup Match skipper Cal (Bummy) Symonds was among those who paid tribute to Bermuda’s teenage seamer Malachi Jones who claimed a wicket with his first delivery in the World Cup.

“This young fellow is always going to be remembered for taking a wicket with his first delivery in the World Cup,” he said. “And I hope some of the younger players back home will now get a better understanding about what the World Cup is really all about.”

Hilda Romaine, mother of Bermuda skipper Irving Romaine, said: “This is awesome and you really can’t put it all in words because you have to experience it. You can read all about it, but to be here is simply awesome.

“I am very proud of my son. He enjoys his cricket and playing the game, and he doesn’t get all uptight.”

Long-serving Somerset Cricket Club cricket scorer Evette Brangman is also enjoying her time in Trinidad, but remains critical of the umpiring so far.

“I have noticed that the umpires don’t show much respect to the little teams,” she argued. “And I think they should be showing equal respect to both teams, but they are not.”