The shock win Bermudians had been dreaming of may not have become a reality yesterday — but cricket fans still said they had every reason to feel proud.

With most people unable to get time off work, bars across the Island were far from packed to the rafters as Bermuda took on England and aimed to create one of the greatest upsets in world sporting history.

However, those lucky enough to watch the game certainly made the most of it, especially as early English wickets fell and gave Bermuda a sniff of a victory.

About 20 people whipped up support in the Spinning Wheel, in Court Street.

Idae Mae Goater, of the bar, said: “We had a nice little crowd. There was a good atmosphere and a nice vibe. Everyone was cheering Bermuda on.

“At one point it was looking good, but it wasn’t to be. We all thought they did brilliant though.”

Most fans said they were pleased with the respectable bowling and fielding, if not the dismal batting which brought just 45 runs.

Matthew Williams, 20, watched the game in the Robin Hood pub.

“They have learned a good lesson,” he said. “I hope they have figured out what we are up against now and can see how they can improve.

“The bowling and fielding was good, especially against a team like England. I just wish they could have taken their time more with the batting.

“I’m a fan of cricket. I wish I could be there but I’ll have to make do with watching from the pub.”

Fellow Robin Hood drinker Steve Jordan was born in England but moved to the Island 28 years ago. He declared himself a Bermuda fan.

“You have got to remember we are part-time cricketers,” he said. “We are playing people who do it for a living. They are in front of a worldwide audience and I think they’ve done marvellous.

“They have got to take their time a bit more with the batting, but overall it’s a great adventure for Bermuda. Anything they do will be great.”

Another Bermudian man in the Robin Hood was less impressed.

“Everybody expected to see England recover from the bad start so I wasn’t surprised to see it work out the way it did,” he said. Pointing at the scoreboard, he added: “Look at that — 45. It’s not really a cricket score is it?”

England supporters in Bermuda were relieved to win but praised Bermuda’s early efforts.

Somerset’s English wicketkeeper-batsman John Woolnough said: “It was a good effort by the Bermuda lads. England would have been very nervous when the magic of Dwayne Leverock had them reeling at 132 for 5.

“But the batting let them down when they were up against a good England bowling attack.

“People must realise these Bermuda players are amateurs and are up against professional sportsmen who have played at the top level in cricket.

“Overall they can be fairly pleased but it would have been nice to reach 100 runs!”

Fans still backing Bermuda