IT WAS an ecstatic cross between the nostalgia experienced on a happy day at primary school and the United States presidential election and Mound maniacs rode the feverish tide of a revitalised West Indies at Sabina Park yesterday.

As paceman Jeremy Taylor knifed his way through a potent English line-up beneath a blazing afternoon sun, alcohol-laced patrons on The Mound spared no punches as they made the visiting English supporters know they carried a grudge for the 2004 decapitation when the regional boys were bowled out for 47 at the same venue.

'Yes, we can!'

As Taylor ripped through the line-up, The Mound maniacs shouted at the top of their voices, "Yes, we can! Yes, we can! Yes, we can!", the slogan made popular by US President Barack Obama on his route to the White House. And if that were not enough, they sent the visiting Barmy Army to the 'rum shops' singing London Bridge is Falling Down.

And as England tumbled to 26-7, the Red Stripe girls bounced their booties smoothly, but not even that deflected the patrons' eyes from the game. In fact, the alcohol-drenched spectators remained glued to the square and were only distracted by the entry of former world-record holder in the 100 metres, Asafa Powell.

Selling day-five tickets

As it became clear that the game would not enter the fifth day, patrons who had brought pre-sold tickets for $3,500, were offering them for $100. One spectator said he could use the money to buy cigarettes.

Another spectator begged for rain. "Mi haffi come back tomorrow cause dis a di only game Jamaica get," he stuttered before his voice disappeared beneath the blaring speaker boxes.

But even before he and other spectators could lament the fate of the touring Englishmen, it was all over as England tumbled for 51, setting the stage for a grand rally 'round the West Indies and a rehearsal for carnival in tropical Jamaica.

daraine.luton@gleanerjm.com