Bermuda’s supporters certainly made their presence felt at the Queen’s Park Oval in Trinidad yesterday, despite watching their team suffer a predictably crushing defeat.

After surrendering 321 runs in the field, Bermuda’s batsmen were mowed down for paltry 78 runs in 24.4 overs.

Still, this did little to dampen the spirits of the team’s loyal following who cheered and applauded the fall of each Sri Lankan wicket and went delirious every time Bermuda’s batsmen hit a boundary.

“Win, lose or draw we have already made an impression. And no matter what happens we will still hold our heads high,” declared soda icon Bruce (The Beverage Man) Barritt as he led the celebrations in the Jeffrey Stollmeyer stand.

“These guys deserve everyone’s support and hopefully they will receive a hero’s welcome when they return home because they have arrived.This is a wonderful experience and I’m loving it. And I have been waiting for this occasion ever since we qualified (for the World Cup) in 2005.”

Well-known Commercial Division footballer Brenton Harris was also among those in attendance at yesterday’s match.

“It’s always going to be an uphill battle for us. But the atmosphere here is excellent and I encourage all of Bermuda to come down and enjoy the occasion,” he said.

“This is a very wonderful atmosphere and I am proud of my team. It’s our first match and so the guys are getting their feet wet. But their confidence seems to be up, and I’m looking forward to the next two matches.”

Former Southampton Rangers all-rounder Eldon Raynor said; “I think this is one of the better things to ever happen to Bermuda cricket.

And I’m just happy to see us reach the ICC World Cup.” Long-serving Belco employee Eddie Lewis was also present at the ground to lend his support.

“We just want to let our guys know that we are here to support them one hundred percent,” he said.

Also in the stands was Dawn Smith, twin sister of star bowler Dwayne (Sluggo) Leverock.

She said: “I feel as though I am out there with my brother. It makes me feel very proud to see him out there on the big stage.”

Oliver Pitcher, father of Bermuda all-rounder OJ Pitcher, commented: “I think all of Bermuda should be excited because we have some young men out there we should be proud of.

“They have made us all proud and are trying their best and that’s all we can ask of them. This is something that OJ has always strived for. He loves the game and the catch he made was great. And he knows we are supporting him one hundred percent.”

Another former cricketer, Lee Raynor, said: “It feels great to be here and I’m really proud of the team.”

John Tucker, father of Bermuda all-rounder Janeiro Tucker, added: “This is Bermuda’s first World Cup, and so history has already been made with them qualifying for the tournament. And it’s an honour to be here supporting them, and a very nice experience for the players.

“And no matter what happens I am still proud of them all.”

Bermy Army salutes heroes