Forgetting club or county, Bermuda?s cricket community was all about country last night.

Those who took the time to travel to the airport were witness to an extraordinary outpouring of appreciation for the 14 warriors who have elevated this isolated speck in the Atlantic to unprecedented heights in international cricketdom.

More than 500 fans descended on the arrivals terminal to welcome home their heroes.

Even before they emerged from immigration the team could here loud chants of ?Bermuda, Bermuda? and were completely dumbstruck by their overwhelming reception for qualifying to the World Cup in the West Indies in 2007.

Clay Smith, Janeiro Tucker and company would have been as thrilled last night with the adoration of their country as they were last Thursday when they clinched their place among the world?s elite.

Greeted on arrival by the Premier and other officials it was, however, an unbelievable show of love from family and friends that nearly brought them to the tears.

Janeiro Tucker, the hero of Bermuda?s all-important victory over the USA, could hardly muster words.

Shaking his head in disbelief at the flag-waving crowd, he said above the din: ?I expected a little something, I didn?t expect to see all these people. ?It?s so nice to see the country come together and get behind cricket ? I?m really lost for words to tell you the truth.?

Another batting hero Irving Romaine described the scene as ?amazing and totally unbelievable? while Dean Minors, wicketkeeper and run-scorer extraordinaire, said it was unreal

?It didn?t hit home ?til I came through those doors, just what we have done,? said Minors.

Veteran Albert Steede, a member of several unsuccessful ICC squads over the years added: ?This is phenomoenal. I am stunned to see all these people.?

Clay Smith, the subject of so many column inches before the tournament because of a bad knee and a player who missed a handful of games with a hamstring pull, described it the reception as ?truly overwhelming?.

?I am proud to be a part of this, it is hard to imagine this reaction.?

Saleem Mukkudem, stood back and surveyed the champagne-popping, hero-worshipping scene with a smile.

?A lot of the guys didn?t realise what he had achieved until tonight,? said the opening bowler.

?Bermuda has 60,000 people, there was no way in hell we were supposed to qualify for the World Cup. We have defied logic and everyone?s perception of us.

?Awesome, awesome, awesome. Nobody gave us a chance but with the belief that we had and the training that we put in, we proved them wrong.?

The diminutive coach Gus Logie, mobbed by passionate and grateful fans, was quick to praise his team once more.

?I never imagined this reception from the Bermuda public. But the players deserve all the attention and accolades, they deserve all of this.?

As well as the dignitaries, the families were lined up to greet their heroes, with the young and old both flocking to the airport with equal enthusiasm.

Opening batsman Delyone Borden?s great grandmother, Dorothy Esdaille, 82, was so happy the years fell off her yesterday.

?Yes, it is past my bedtime, but I just had to be here. I am happy and I prayed for him.?

Another family member added: ?I am glad that he is been able to honour his father (who passed away earlier this year) in this way, Delby would be immensely proud of him.?

Irving Romaine Sr, who has just recovered from a stroke was one of the earlier arrivals.

?I just feel beautiful, he?s done plenty, I?m proud, really proud.? he said, eyes twinkling.

When asked how he felt about Bermuda?s qualification for the World Cup, he stared towards the heavens, blew a kiss and just uttered the words ?nice, nice?.

All the clubs were represented among the throng who were sitting outside the airport terminal on the sidewalk, ledges, just sitting around with not even the delayed flight perturbing them.

The players? kids were getting excited too, although more about seeing relatives than the qualification itself.

?I feel happy and exciting that my uncle?s coming home,? said Kamau Leverock, ten, referring to Uncle Sluggo, one of Bermuda?s many heroes in Ireland.

While Jonte Smith, 11-year-old son of captain Clay, had travel plans in his mind.

?I?m very excited and looking forward to going to the World Cup,? he said.

?I?m so proud of you daddy.?

Cousin Jalen, 9, Clay?s nephew and the son of former captain and now assistant coach Wendell also shared in the excitement.

?I?m very happy for them and looking forward to seeing daddy again.?

Much was achieved in Ireland and the Island?s gratitude for all the hard work and sacrifice of the players and management has clearly been appreciated ? the team were welcomed home last night as they should have been, like heroes.