12 April 2007

The brand new Grenada National Stadium hosted its first ICC Cricket World Cup match yesterday and, in doing so, became the final Host Venue to join the party – with a cracking performance.

Staging a feature Super 8 game between the West Indies and South Africa – one which the host team needed to win to stay in the tournament – Grenada saw thousands come out to support the home side.

Turnstiles registered more than 9,500 people in attendance. Having had the day declared a public holiday, Grenadians thronged the stadium. Throughout the day the crowd kept up a series of Mexican waves to spur on the teams. Clearly the word was out about the ease of bringing musical instruments, as fans blew conch shells, horns and whistles all day.

Meanwhile, the venue – rebuilt following its destruction by Hurricane Ivan in 2004 – received high praises from both the local and travelling spectators.

“It’s marvellous - real nice,” declared one fan named Raj, visiting from Trinidad & Tobago.

Stating that he has been to other CWC stadia in his homeland as well as in Antigua & Barbuda and Guyana, the cricket fanatic gave Grenada top marks.

“Fab-u-lous” was the word from Pearline, visiting from London for the first time in 15 years.

Locals too were complimentary in commenting.

“It’s the best I’ve seen,” said an appreciative Garon, in his early 20s.

Despite being a mainly partisan crowd, supporters of both teams stood clapping and cheering to acknowledge AB de Villiers’ maiden One-Day International century – which is also the first to be scored at the ground during an international match; a great start for this landmark stadium.

Chasing a massive 356, the West Indies needed the full support of the local crowd, many of whom were wearing the team’s colours – or waving flags of Caribbean nations. Homemade signs said “Windies All the Way”, a chant that was taken up by fans in the Posse Stand who certainly rivalled the Party Stand for merrymaking.

However, the early dismissal of Shivnarine Chanderpaul, followed quickly by Devon Smith, Chris Gayle and later skipper Brian Lara for 21 saw victory slip away for the home team. This didn’t dampen the enthusiasm of the loyal West Indies fans and the crowd continued to roar at every ball bowled. Ramnaresh Sarwan’s knock of 92 gave them some hope and the late-innings partnership between Ian Bradshaw and Daren Powell carried the Windies to 289. A loss for the West Indies leaves them reliant on other results to grasp one of the top four spots.

The Super 8s are definitely starting to take shape – and with this win South Africa are very much in the running for a Semi-Final place.

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