It may have been a crushing defeat yesterday — but cricket fans all over the Island made the most of Bermuda’s moment of World Cup history.

Pubs and bars were full of supporters catching as much of the game against Sri Lanka as they could in their lunch hours, with many declaring they were proud of the team whatever the result.

Venues were full of hope for the early stages of the match, as Bermuda took a handful of wickets and gave a respectable show against some of the most revered batsmen on the planet.

By the end of the afternoon, supporters were generally relieved the Island’s bats recovered from a nightmare collapse to smash a few late order runs.

Docksiders pub, in Front Street, had opened early to allow people the chance to watch Bermuda’s first ever appearance in the tournament. By early afternoon, the pub was getting increasingly lively.

Norris Simpson, 48, from Devonshire, a painter, gave himself the day off so he could watch the game in Docksiders.

“I don’t usually head out to the pub, but I had to watch this game,” said Mr. Simpson.

“I’m pleased with the way they have been playing, given the quality they are up against. They missed a couple of chances as well which could have made it even better.

“It’s been a good crowd in here — the atmosphere’s been up.”

Another man, who asked not to be named because he didn’t want his boss to find out he was in the pub, said: “It’s a good atmosphere and whatever the result Bermuda have done well to get this far. It’s great to see them in the World Cup.”

Basil Outerbridge, 54, from St. George’s, said: “We know they’re not going to win but the important thing is that they give a good account of themselves. It’s a great achievement to be in the World Cup.”

Anthony Wijesuriya, 46, from Warwick, was the sole Sri Lankan in a pub otherwise full of Bermudians. But he didn’t care as he watched his heroes race to an easy victory.

“I’m the only person from Sri Lanka here so you might think they would tease me,” he said. “But it’s me who can tease them because we are winning.

“We are all fans of cricket in here and it’s been good to come and watch. Bermuda might have started well but I think everyone knew Sri Lanka were going to win.”

A host of other pubs, including The Spinning Wheel, in Court Street, and Casey’s Cocktail Lounge, in Queen Street, also reported busy afternoons.

Patients at King Edward VII Memorial Hospital were given a chance to tune in after television and hospital bosses struck a deal to add it to their TV package free of charge.

The hospital’s television room was well-attended throughout the day, while doctors and nurses kept up-to-date by glancing at screens as they made their way around the hospital.

Wenona Jennings, who has been in hospital for around a year, was delighted as Bermuda started the game impressively.

“I love watching the cricket and the screen here is so big,” she said. “It’s been a real treat to watch it. Everyone was very excited.

“When I saw them get the wicket, I told them: ‘Go, go, go on!’”

Capri Smith, activities co-ordinator for the Continued Care Unit, said: “Our patients have enjoyed having the chance to watch the cricket — and so have the staff.

“We put on a special cricket luncheon for everyone, so they could eat some potato salad, or peas and rice so they could make a good time of it.”

Meanwhile residents at the Salvation Army’s Harbour Lights facility, in King Street, were delighted after Bermuda Masters cricket team made a donation enabling them to watch the World Cup.

Augustina Raynor, programme director at the centre, which helps homeless recovering addicts, said: “They’ve been elated at the donation — it’s been brilliant for them to be able to watch their country play on TV. They really enjoyed it, even if Bermuda lost.”