Nearly 16,000 people braved baking heat at Wellington Oval to witness a Cup Match Classic that many say will go down in the history books as the most memorable yet.

And the 100th annual classic was by all accounts an action packed event filled holiday, with a wild atmosphere, quality cricket, good food and upbeat music.

It was a day when both die-hard fans of Somerset and St. George's put aside their differences for 48 hours and united in paying homage to Janeiro Tucker for setting a new all-time scoring record of 186 runs.

But the good sportsmanship also trickled off the pitch and into the crowd as Bermudians from all walks of life joined together to celebrate their day.

According to former St. George's cricketer, Dennis Wainwright, this year's spectacular was a diverse mixture of visitors, residents and dignitaries, with the feel that the 100th match milestone was a positive boost for Bermuda as a whole. "It's a very historical and honourable occasion," he said. "I know a lot of former cricketers, who have passed would have loved to have been around to feel the excitement. The long standing record was broken by Janeiro Tucker and that makes it all the more exciting. The players have been playing very well today."

St. George's fan Ian McDonald-Smith echoed the sentiments. "This is brothers and sisters," he said. "We're all here at the same time. It's been a great day. It's about us."

Local resident and Somerset fan Earlington Raynor said he was particularly taken with the sights and sounds that were displayed over the two day event. And he said he was thankful for being able to witness a unique display of colour and tradition that is reflective only in Bermuda.

"This is the best tourist attraction," he said. "You couldn't get any better sightseeing than at Cup Match. They got a good crowd this year - very diverse."

Veteran Somerset fan Ledley Perry said: "The girls, the liquor, the food - this is my 20th Cup Match and I enjoy it every time. I don't worry about the heat, I'm used to it."

St. George's fan Sinclair Edwards added: "I've really enjoyed it. I've been coming for the last ten years and I'm surprised - there are a lot more people here. I'm for St. George's and I've taken my licks today, but the main emphasis is on the cricket and I'm glad to see that it's exciting for the fans. That's what they came for and that's what they got." However, as many veterans that were at the event, there were equally as many first timers who made the trek to Wellington Oval this year. According to them, even if they did not fully understand the cricket, the festivities of the Crown and Anchor table and soca music blasting in the background was enough to keep them occupied.

Canadian Rob Shearer said: "This is my first Cup Match. Cricket isn't that big in Canada. But it's really been pleasant."

First timer Jamaican national Cornell Lindo said: "I'm for St. George's, because all my friends are for St. George's. I've been both days, but this reminds me a lot of Jamaica and the big shows and Carnival time. There are so many different faces." Local comedian and vendor at the match Bootsie, summed up the two day event and said: "It's been a busy day. The most beautiful thing is that we haven't seen any confrontations. Everyone is enjoying themselves and that is the sweetest thing for us."