Things lean at Oval stalls

The horror story of the first Test at Kensington Oval has not only affected the West Indies team.

While the Windies have been struggling to get their game going against New Zealand on the inside, the vendors on the outside have been struggling to get items sold.

The first day's crowd was disappointing and again yesterday, the fans did not come out in numbers. A Barbados Cricket Association official yesterday said ticket sales for today's play have again been slow and a smaller crowd could be in the Oval for the next three days if the game goes the distance.

Sales are not so good. I think it's because of the (football) World Cup and there aren't that many tourists coming to cricket like the last time (against India), said Vincent Adamson of Mama's Pot, a popular food stall.

People aren't tired of cricket, they just are not interested in New Zealand because they have no stars.

Owner of the stall, David Adamson, has a differing view on why things are at a lull.

None of the local boys, except for Pedro Collins is playing, and Bajans like to see their own. Also, the series wasn't well advertised as it was when India were here, he said.

That in itself, along with the fact that there is a general downturn in the economy, is what is hurting sales at this Test match. What I hope to do is to make back the rental cost, right now compared to the last Test series, I would say business is down 50 per cent.

Over at Al's Food Tent, one of the women told SUNSPORT: It is not going well at all. The last time we had cricket, when 1 p.m. we were sold out and looking to go home; not today, she said pointing at the several full trays of local food.

Even an hour before the day's play was finished one food stall outside the Kensington Stand had closed its shutters and pulled stumps. This was a symbol that nothing much was happening and nothing much was expected.

Not only the food stalls are feeling the pinch of the small crowds. Deborah Hall, owner of Debbie's Variety, which specialises in African crafts, agreed that things are slow.

The stall is getting some sales, not much but I am contented with whatever I make. People, I think, hold their money for the One-Dayers and spend a lot more.

Allison Lucas, one of the popular barbecue chefs, said: Friday was very slow, today [yesterday] was a lot better. People just are not interested in New Zealand and everyone is feeling the pinch.