Thousands of cricket fans decked in Cup Match colours descended on Somerset Cricket Club today as the Annual Classic got under way.

Glenn Bascome, a “diehard” Somerset fan, said he had been attending the annual cricket match since he was a child.

With a sea of red and blue colours in the stands behind him, he revealed: “I don’t miss Cup Match, it is the only cricket game I watch.”

The 80-year-old, who lives close to the ground, said: “There seems to be more accommodation here at the venue when compared to two years ago and I expect more people will come as the game gets more interesting.”

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As he spoke, loud applause from spectators reverberated across the venue.

Somerset had moments earlier set a record when the score reached 155 without loss, a benchmark previously set in 2018.

Mr Bascome said his team was “doing well out on the field”.

He added: “I was wondering about that record, 155 runs is a lot and I knew it was something that was possible with the way they were batting.”

The veteran fan was optimistic about the outcome.

He said: “I think Somerset has set a very good foundation.”

Mr Bascome added: “They may not win but they should not lose.”

New Yorker Frank Capolo and his wife were among the crowds checking out food and drinks vendors, and shared their excitement as they soaked up the atmosphere near to Ashley’s Lemonade.

“I’ve never been to a cricket game before,” Mr Capolo said.

He added: “I know a little bit about cricket from going to Singapore and other places but I never went to see an actual match and this here is great and exciting.”

Mr Capolo added: “I’m having a good time; people are friendly and it is really good.”

He said: “It’s very electric, one big party and we are on the cruise ship for another two days on this beautiful island so we are totally enjoying it.”

Mr Capolo added: “This is really good for the country and I’m so glad we came.”

He said the couple planned to spend more time at the game and “take in a lot of the scenes and, of course, the food here”.

Meanwhile, Dexter Jones, a St George’s supporter, was not happy.

“I’m disappointed in my team, they ain’t got no wickets yet and I’m not happy at all,” he said.

Mr Jones was hopeful that his team would have enough time to compile “a good score because, remember, they have to bowl out Somerset twice”.

He added: “Otherwise I am enjoying the game here and a lot of people are out and that is a good thing.”

Shortly after 1pm, Somerset fan Heidi Cowen was all smiles as she walked around the venue.

The cricketers were walking off the field for the lunch break.

Ms Cowen pointed out that the match was going in her favour.

“Things have been awesome for us,” she said.

Ms Cowen said she was an ardent cricket fan and could not afford to miss the match this year.

She added: “I’ve been coming to Cup Match since I was old enough to be propped up to walk.”

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