ST. GEORGE'S, BERMUDA. St. George's Cricket Club bowler Stefan Kelly (above) views the pitch during practice at the St. George's Cricket Club in St. George's, Bermuda on Tuesday, July 26, 2011. The annual two - day Cup Match Cricket Tournament between St. George's and Somerset begins Thursday. © www.chetgordon.com/blog
I have been waiting nearly 10 years to see, experience and cover Cup Match here in Bermuda. The week's festivities and celebratory atmosphere were all I ever heard about from Bermudians during my numerous trips here to the island. It is already shaping up to be a wonderful week for making images. Stay tuned... ~cg
St. George's will host Somerset in the annual two-day cricket tournament known as Cup Match beginning Thursday. Cup Match was introduced after the abolition of slavery in Bermuda. Men from Somerset and St. George’s met in a friendly rivalry and held celebrations of Emancipation by holding annual picnics to mark the anniversary of the abolition of slavery. One of the highlights from the picnics was a friendly cricket match played between lodges from the east and west ends of the island. In 1901, during a cricket match between two major Friendly Societies, an agreement was made to play for an annual trophy. Members of the Friendly Societies and Lodges raised funds and in 1902 a silver cup that was played for annually was introduced.
Hi Chet, you got the story and spirit of cup match right on the money. Once you have posted your cup match pictures I will circulate to every Bermudian I know. Don't forget to stop by the tourism booth and introduce yourself to Minister Minors who I am sure would love to meet you.
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