A small but enthusiastic crowd turned out in Hamilton yesterday to salute Bermuda's cricketers after they qualified for the 2007 World Cup.

A few hundred people of all ages gathered outside City Hall, jumped to their feet and applauded, screamed and gave a genuine hearty welcome as the motorcade of convertibles entered the grounds.

The team first met the Premier at Cabinet House who joined them at the head of the motorcade in GP1.

The players ? led by captain Clay Smith and vice captain Janeiro Tucker ? sat atop a string of convertibles that were draped in red, blue and white ribbon for the route which ran down Front Street up Queen Street ending at City Hall.

Along the route pedestrians shouted support and waved. The team in royal fashion waved back.

"I'm over the moon because I'm a big cricket fan and two of my mates play for the team ? Albert Steede and Lionel Cann," said Giles Shirley, 35, who was on Front Street. "Good luck at the World Cup ? I'll be watching carefully!"

Eagerly watching the motorcade drive by was 65-year-old Elliot Darrell, who said: "It's exciting, wonderful ? it is something that I feel good about because we haven't experienced it before. It feels like the beginning of independence because once you have something that's your own to root for it gives you a sense of self worth. Now we have to go up against other countries and root for our own country ? no other."

Waiting at City Hall were people like Edeth Mills, 68, who said: "I think it's great, they deserve it. We should be proud that, as Bermudians, as small as we are ? we're on the map. Some people don't even know where Bermuda is and I'm proud to be Bermudian."

Madelyn Lightbourne, age 69, added: "I am glad that not only this cricket team, but a lot of other sports are doing well ? keeping up Bermuda's name."

Among the onlookers were some former Bermuda players, who had a more personal sense of what was taking place, having come close only to fall short in past International Cricket Council tournaments.

Olin Jones, age 40, said: "I think it's great to honour your top cricketers in a way like this ? I think it's the first I've ever seen. To be a past player and see something like this is great and I wish them all the best in the future. We have a good team, good spirit and both the Government and Bermuda is behind them."

"Olin and I played in the 1986 ICC team and we were like the rookies at that time, so to see this happen is like a dream come true", added Mark Trott, 44. "In a way, it's overdue in the sense that we've come close so many times ? but these guys really showed that when you put in the commitment and the effort you get your just rewards. "This can only help cricket go to another level ? particularly with our young cricketers coming along. It gives them a lot of incentive to do well", he said. "Your dream is only as small as you make it ? size has nothing to do with ability."

Gaynel Smith, 39, said: "It's good for them to be in the finals for the first time ? they've done well and have come a long way too in order to be exposed to this. They fought for it and got what they wanted."

"It is a first class event ? much needed," said Winton Woodley, 45. "I'm a little disappointed in the crowd but it's nice to see the Parliamentarians out here."

Gerald Bean said: "I think it's well deserved and the Government gave a good contribution of $100,000. I was in Ireland at the tournament and I thought they played well and represented Bermuda well on and off the field. I wish them the best in 2007."

Mr. Bean's wife Tiny added a touch of humour when she said: "When PALS had their hair shaving at Robin Hood (as a fundraiser for children's cancer) Clay Smith promised that if they qualified for the world cup the whole team would have their hair shaved."

Somerset Mini Cup Match team captain Kamau Leverock and team members, Dimitri Hendrickson, nine, and Chikosi Smith, ten, were very "happy" that the Bermuda's cricket team made it to the 2007 World Cup Tournament.

Kamau said he was excited to see his uncle make it so far. "I'm happy that my uncle Dwayne Leverock is part of the national squad team."

When Dimitri was asked if he looks up to any player in particular he said: "Janeiro Tucker and Clay Smith."

Proud parent Judy Williams, mother of team member Lionel Cann, had the last word.

"I feel wonderful," she said.