Bermuda?s World Cup-bound cricketers can expect Government to put their money where their congratulations are.

Swept up in the emotional excitement of the country?s qualification for the 2007 cricketing showpiece in the West Indies, both Premier Alex Scott and Sports Minister Dale Butler assured the national team will get the funding they so badly need.

?There is continual investment in cricket by Government and we will continue to work very closely with the Bermuda Cricket Board (BCB). They will have our support, most definitely,? declared a buoyant Scott, shortly after the Island beat the USA to secure a World Cup berth.

An ecstatic Butler fully anticipates that ?the country ? particularly the Government and the corporate sector ? will rally behind the cricket team?.

?Once we get the BCB?s long-term plan, Government will show its commitment,? he added when asked if the team can look forward to significant financial support.

Both Government officials lauded the squad?s heroics in winning three out of their five Group A matches ? beating the USA, Denmark and UAE ? to finish in the crucial runner-up position behind the unbeaten Irish and were feverishly trying to contact the team to convey the nation?s sentiments.

?It should be appreciated that, in the context of the World Cup, our young men are potential world conquerors in cricket,? said Scott, admitting he had been tracking the round-robin matches online.

?They have turned their dream into a reality. The significance of this accomplishment will reverberate around the cricketing world that little Bermuda is about to confront the giants of cricket ? and to that I say well done.

?The Government and people of Bermuda are very proud of you.?

Butler ? the consummate sports enthusiast ? was thrilled to bits and reminded of his clairvoyance prior to the squad?s departure for the ICC Trophy.

?I?m extremely delighted, very happy with the team?s success. Remember my farewell speech at City Hall, I told them that they were not going over there to participate but to qualify for the World Cup and my prophesy came true.

?Based on the team?s talent, commitment and training I felt they stood a very good chance ? and here they are!?

While no celebratory national holiday is forthcoming as some fans suggested, both the Premier and Sports Minister signalled there will be very tangible gestures to mark this historic achievement.

?We?re considering some other ways of honouring the team ? but not a national holiday. We?re looking at a motorcade to City Hall and a formal meeting with the Premier and some other things,? elaborated Butler.

?We?re not sure when they will be back but we?re in consultation with the BCB and we?re working out our plans.?

Added Scott: ?Obviously we want to do something very special, so we?ll have to see what we come up with.?