Spectators give full marks to Grenada Stadium

West Indies 67-run loss to South Africa in the Super Eight match at the Grenada National Stadium might have disappointed the Caribbeans but the stadium received high praises for being rebuilt after its destruction by Hurricane Ivan in 2004.

The West Indies-South Africa match was the first at the brand new Grenada National Stadium Tuesday and the stadium witnessed a turnout of 9,500 spectators after the government declared the day as a public holiday.

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.

"It's marvellous - real nice," declared one fan named Raj, visiting from Trinidad and Tobago. He added that he has been to other World Cup stadiums in his homeland as well as in Antigua and Barbuda and Guyana, but facilities in Grenada were top class.

"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 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.

(IANS)

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