Warner Park in Basseterre St Kitts and Nevis did not host matches in the inaugural edition of the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) in 2013 but since 2014 it became the most successful hunting ground for the Guyana Amazon Warriors away from home.
In 11 matches on the relatively small outfield, the Amazon Warriors won eight and lost three thus having a very high winning percentage of 73 percent compared to Providence where they won 14 of the 24 matches completed or just about 58 percent.
While the Warriors were busy chasing success and points on the field they have garnered a huge fan base in the twin island federation that are also very passionate and proud.
After three victories in as many matches at home to kick start their 2019 campaign, the Warriors took to the road for their five away matches and began in Basseterre with a convincing seven-wicket win over hosts, St Kitts and Nevis Patriots to remain unbeaten.
Warriors! Warriors! Warriors! Was the chant for most of the night as the Guyana-based franchise took control of the game from the first to the last ball. Fans waving the Golden Arrowhead or the Guyana Amazon Warriors franchise flag were dressed in eye-catching costumes or players’ replica tops from over the years out numbered the local fans and were obviously louder.
Lennox Herbert and his family of six were part of the large Warriors contingent that took ferries from Nevis to St Kitts for the match and the at the end of the night said, “the victory compensated for our efforts of catching boats and waiting for long hours to get back home. We are living in Nevis but Guyana will always be home and to support the team is the least we can do. I only decided to go [to Warner Park] when I saw our young Warriors side playing really good cricket and I believe this team will make us proud this year.”
Another reason for the overwhelming support is the fact that there are eight Guyanese players in the Amazon Warriors side this year which makes the connection to the fans easier. Fans in the nearby islands including St Marteen and Antigua and Barbuda were part of another section of the colourful crowd where they were having friendly banter with Patriots’ fans. “We are from Antigua, St Matreen and the USA to support the Warriors. We usually support the Patriots but when they [Patriots] come up against the Warriors we support our boys. We are just having fun. When the Warriors win this year, we will have more reasons to show off. It is our team and we are proud. We simply love the Warriors,” said a proud fan with his Golden Arrowhead and replica player top. In all his crew totaled 29.
As the Amazon Warriors move around the Caribbean for the remainder of the tournament so too will their fans who will form the 12th man to support and push the team over the line.
