The sight of South Africa storming to victory in the 20-20 World Cricket Classic did nothing to dampen the spirits of a passionate crowd at the National Sports Centre on Saturday.

A party atmosphere was in order as a diverse crowd from across the globe pulled together behind the home team ? refusing to admit defeat until the final 97-run victory flashed up on the scoreboard.

Mexican waves rippled around the ground, music blasted from the speakers, and blasts from air horns punctuated the enthusiastic shouts of fans fuelled by a heady combination of rum and Island pride.

"It's been an excellent atmosphere," said an Australian expatriate sporting a hat dangling with corks, who gave her name as Jenny, from Warwick.

"I came to watch Australia against the West Indies in the Plate Final. Of course I was disappointed for Australia, but we are all here in Bermuda and here to support them. It's a wonderful sporting event."

Matthew Salceld, 29, and Elaine Sweet, 28, from London, planned their two-week holiday on the Island around the 20-20 tournament.

"We've had a fantastic time. The cricket has been great and the venue has been fantastic," said Mr. Salceld. "This is a wonderful Island and we've been hit for six by the tournament!"

According to Orion Thomas, 42, from Warwick there is a big problem with the 20-20 format. "It all ended to quick ? just as I was getting warmed up!" he said. "This is really good for Bermuda. I hope it becomes an annual event."

"It's been beautiful ? I wish they did this kind of event more often. What they need to do is get all the younger teams from the Caribbean to play in Bermuda," said Norville Yarde, 43, who is from Barbados but working in Bermuda.

The result was not the point of the day for Kent Phillips, 65, from Devonshire. "I'm having a great time and the organisers have done a fantastic job," he said.

"Bermuda will be celebrating win, lose or draw."

However, the night belonged to the small but incredibly enthusiastic South African contingent who made up for their lack of numbers with the loudest cheers and the biggest flags in the ground.

Shouting over the noise of the fireworks and Gombey dancers as the post-match revelry kicked off, Werner Debruin, 35 ? who is originally from Western Transvaal ? said: "It's a great result and the atmosphere is absolutely fantastic."

And Zimbabwean Bongani Ndlovu summed up the spirit of unity that typified the entire event.

"Africa and Bermuda came together as one big family today, and it's been brilliant," he said.