The proud families of Bermuda’s cricket heroes are preparing to create a rapturous reception as the World Cup squad returns home from Trinidad today.

The cricketers — who won fans all over the globe as they battled against some of the game’s legends over the past two weeks — are set to fly into Bermuda International Airport at 7.45 p.m. this evening.

Their beaming loved ones, who helped create an exuberant atmosphere in the famous Port of Spain ground throughout Bermuda’s historic matches, arrived back on the Island with the rest of the Bermy Army yesterday.

They called for the public to turn out in numbers this evening to give the stars a welcome home celebration to remember.

Carrying souvenirs galore and dressed in Bermuda’s red, blue and white, more than 100 fans streamed through the airport and declared the past fortnight the party of their lives.

Chief among them was the family of spinner Dwayne (Sluggo) Leverock, who made international headlines by dismissing two key England batsmen in a warm-up match.

The bowler’s mum Allison Leverock said: “It was great. We are extremely proud of everything he’s done.

“I’ll be back here at the airport when the players come back. Everyone in Bermuda should come and make some noise and welcome them back.”

Leverock’s twin sister Duan Smith said: “It was such good fun. They all did really well. The whole thing is something we’ll never forget.”

Daniela Romaine, wife of captain Irving, was returning home with their two-year-old daughter Gabby.

Mrs. Romaine said she had been carried along by the excitement.

“It was a great experience, I totally loved it,” she said. “We were all cheering, we were using bottles to bang on the chairs — it was loud!

“I can’t even put into words how proud I am. I just hope all of them take every drop of positivity that came out of it and just run with it.

“I’ll be here at the airport to welcome them in my Bermuda jersey. I’m hoping it will be a big turnout.”

Many fans were quick to praise the efforts of Bermy Army ringleader Bruce Barritt.

Mr. Barritt said the whole Bermuda support deserved credit for making themselves heard.

“It was brilliant, wonderful,” said Mr. Barritt. “Bermuda’s fans did the team proud. We were all together with them.

“The team has said what an impact our support had. (Wicketkeeper) Dean Minors said when they were down, the crowd raised them back up. That meant so much to me.”

Former Somerset Bridge and Warwick all-rounder Gerald Bean walked through the airport carrying the huge cardboard cut-out of Leverock’s head which was captured by the television cameras on numerous occasions.

“It was good to be part of the crowd,” said Mr. Bean.

Sports Minister Randy Horton, Premier Ewart Brown and Government officials are expected to be at the airport today.

A Government spokeswoman said yesterday: “Residents are encouraged to show their support by heading to the Bermuda International Airport to welcome home the cricket team.

“Members of the public are encouraged to bring their Bermuda flags and sport red, blue and white attire — the official colours of the national team.”