Yesterday’s overcast conditions might have very well reflected Bermuda’s overall performances in the World Cup. But there was still a general consensus among local fans at the Queen’s Park Oval that the Island’s cricket future appeared to be a bright one.

“I have been really inspired and encouraged by what I’ve seen. I thought Bermuda did well and I’m looking forward to seeing them play again in the future, whether it may be away or in Bermuda,” commented supporter Nick Swan.

“Hopefully, the guys will carry the knowledge they learned here back home to help others move forward. And I think if we can keep our heads down and really concentrate on our cricket, then we can all look forward to a good future.”

Swan’s wife, Lorraine, was also among those enjoying the World Cup experience in Trinidad.

“It’s really hard to describe it (World Cup) in words. You have to be here to experience it for yourself,” she said.

“This is a feeling I will never forget and to the Bermuda team I say, ‘well done’.” Although Ray (Flip) Todd said his expectations of the team were not met, he still gave Bermuda’s pioneering cricketers the thumbs-up.

“I think we could’ve played a bit better. But on the whole things have gone along fairly well,” he said.

Former Bailey’s Bay Cricket Club president Gary (Sid) Caisey, commented: “This World Cup experience has been wonderful actually. We’ve had a few hiccups here and there, but I guess that goes along with being in different parts of the world.”

As for the cricket itself, Caisey said: “I was a bit disappointed with the team during the warm-up matches (against England and Zimbabwe) but have seen some improvements since.

“From watching the actual World Cup games themselves I can see that the guys are maturing with each passing game. They are also becoming a bit more professional and we all know what kind of competition they are up against.

“I really didn’t come here expecting any miracles, but I do feel our cricket has improved from the games we have played here.” De-Anne Minks said: “Everything has been wonderful and I am really enjoying the experience because cricket is one of the sports that I like most.”

Bruce Barritt, ringleader of Bermuda celebrations in the Jeffrey Stollmeyer stand, added: “There has been such a diverse group of people here who I would have never thought were cricket supporters before. But here they are all in Trinidad at a reasonably fair expense supporting the team.

“This is history and that’s why I came. Every boundary, wicket or good play, the guys have made us proud. This is a good base for us to build from and I can only hope the youngsters back home will take heed.

“I think this World Cup has shown how far we still have to go and that individual brilliance alone isn’t going to carry you through on the day. We do have some good players and have had flashes of brilliance. At this level you need consistency and I think this is something that we can aspire to.”

Sherrie Swan, who hand crafted a Bermuda team banner, said she had enjoyed every minute of the cricket.

“This experience has been absolutely wonderful and I am so proud of Bermuda,” she said. “although we haven’t won a game I think the sportsmanship on the field has been superb. And I think the Bermuda fans are showing everybody else how to behave as well.” Swan’s husband Edward reckoned Bermuda’s cricket future looked promising.

“I think Bermuda will be back for the next World Cup. I think we will be back and will make a better showing of ourselves next time,” he said.

Former Somerset Bridge and Warwick all-rounder Gerald Bean said: “I think the guys have been trying hard. Obviously, I can see a few things that I could be critical of, but that is not my thing.

“I just accept things for what they are and always hope for the best. And all in all I think the guys are doing quite well.”