For the first time ever Bermuda will compete at the ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup after beating Canada in a ‘winner takes all’ clash to cement their place in Island history.

Bermuda Under-19s were crowned the ICC Americas champions in Toronto at the weekend, winning against the tournament favourites by 13 runs to qualify for the showpiece event in Malaysia in February.

It is the second time in two years Bermuda has qualified to play in one of cricket’s flagship tournaments after the senior squad took centre stage at the 2007 Cricket World Cup in the Caribbean earlier this year.

Mouth-watering group games against cricketing powerhouses Australia and Sri Lanka and host’s Malaysia now beckon for coach Andre Manders’ men who made a heroes’ return to the Island yesterday.

The colts had massacred the Bahamas, Cayman Islands and Argentina prior to their pressure-cooker game against Canada with the winning team taking the remaining qualifying spot.

Premier Ewart Brown greeted the jubilant squad as they disembarked at the L.Frederick Wade International Airport, with Dr. Brown on hand to embrace an understandably emotional captain Rodney Trott during his victory speech.

With the senior squad suffering defeat after defeat during their traumatic tour of Europe, the success of the Under-19s represents a ray of light to pierce the gloom that currently engulfs Bermudian cricket, suggesting the future is indeed rosy.

Coach Andre Manders conceded a success story was required with Gus Logie’s touring team presently stuck in a “bit of a rut”.

“The senior squad, as we expected, have been having a tough time in Europe without many players who were unable to travel. They are stuck in a bit of a rut and it was important the Under-19s put Bermuda back on the sporting map.

“There are some very promising boys in our camp with Malachi Jones, Stefan Kelly and Rodney Trott set to join up with the senior squad in Ireland. All the boys in the squad are aiming to play for their country at the highest level and this is another step in that direction.”

Canada, on home turf at the Maple Leaf Cricket Club, in Ontario, won the toss and elected to bowl with their seamers enjoying plenty of swing during the morning session.

But Bermuda’s batsman made swift progress and posted a creditable 194 runs off 50-overs with Khiry Faubert (39) Malachi Jones (33) and Stefan Kelly (52 not out) providing the batting backbone.

In reply Canada fell short scoring 181 for nine with firebrand Jones once again paving the way with three wickets, while spinners Christopher Douglas and Tamauri Tucker found plenty of turn, picking up two wickets apiece.

“It was a very difficult game for us and the players were obviously really up for it,” said Manders. “We opted to go with the extra spinner with Christopher Douglas replacing Kyle Hodsoll and our tactics played out perfectly.

“The scenes in the dressing room were unbelievable and emotional - I admit there were a few tears. I think the realisation we had actually qualified shocked a few players. Canada were shocked also - they were very dejected after the loss.”

The dust may have only just settled on the monumental victory but pre-competition preparations are already underway with training camps earmarked for October and December.

Manders said he was looking at Trinidad as a possible base with a fixture against the Argentinian national team also on the cards.

“We will have a three-week break and then training will begin in earnest,” he said. “The World Cup is not far away and we want to be in the best possible shape.”

Since the start of the year Manders’ men have been tailoring their training programme towards the ICC Americas regional qualifiers with the colts playing in Bermuda’s Premier Division as well as touring Barbados last month.

And Saturday’s victory was testament their sweat and toil had been worth the while with Manders adamant their success had much to do with competing in the domestic 50-over league this summer.

“We really prepared for the competition and kept the players together for the last few months and we have reaped the rewards.

“In the Sir Gary Sobers Tournament in Barbados last month we purposefully worked on our fielding and running between the wickets and that showed in Toronto.

“Against Canada we held our catches whereas they dropped a few of our batsman - that can make all the difference.”

Tamauri Tucker was voted the best bowler of the tournament with the spin king taking six wickets against the Bahamas in their opening game.

Bermuda join the ICC’s 10 full members, hosts Malaysia, Papua New Guinea and Ireland at the 16-team ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup to be played from February 17 to March 2, 2008 in Malaysia.

Minister of Education, Sports and Recreation, Randy Horton, was on hand to see the match and said he was thrilled for the squad who had made Bermuda proud.