If confidence and enthusiasm count for anything then Bermuda?s cricket team are well on their way to achieving their ICC Trophy mission.

Amid a heart-warming send-off by Government and the Bermuda Cricket Board (BCB) yesterday, several players expressed the strong belief that they would return from Ireland having booked a place in the 2007 Cricket World Cup.

Despite their varying experience at international level, 12 of the 14 team members assembled for the brief City Hall ceremony spoke in one accord when quizzed on the Island?s prospects of finishing among the top five of the 12 nations contesting the decisive qualifier.

?Our chances are as good as any. It boils down to how much we want it and how much hard work we are willing to put in. Most of the teams are on the same level. It?s just a matter of team discipline and commitment that will win you the tournament,? declared veteran bowler Dennis Archer.

The 42-year-old noted that those, like himself, who have competed in previous editions of the ICC Trophy ?are aware of what?s at stake and what we have to do? and must help their younger team-mates.

Dwayne (Sluggo) Leverock, 34, concurred, stating that one of the key elements to helping things fall into place would be getting newer players to adopt ?our team concepts?. For his part, the burly left-arm spinner, who has been stingy with conceding runs in local cricket, will be aiming to ?keep things very tight? whenever he bowls.

Vice-captain Janeiro Tucker believes that, with the right mental approach and a determination not to throw their wickets away, Bermuda can prevail.

?I think our chances are really good. Five teams go through to the World Cup and I?m sure we can be in the top five,? said the explosive batsman.

The 30-year-old highlighted the players? commitment to the cause, pointing out that the squad has been paying serious attention to the game?s mental aspect since last November and that ?a lot of guys have changed their game and are trying to apply themselves at the wicket and not get themselves out?.

Using the example of how he and fellow ICC Trophy selectee Lionel Cann have repeatedly flourished in partnerships for Southampton Rangers this season, Tucker stressed the team would need these kinds of bonds between batsmen.

?It will be very important to build partnerships in Ireland and not lose wickets early in our innings. Lionel and I are looking pretty good right now. We communicate very well when we?re batting and hopefully we can carry that over into the tournament.?

An exuberant Cann said it was nice to be leaving for this trip ?on a high note and not worrying about your technique and things like that?.

Crediting the ICC tournament for boosting his desire to excel, the 31-year-old allrounder added: ?I?m really excited and I?m ready to go. I?ve put the work in. I love the big stage and I know I?m going to have to play a major role for us to qualify and I?m ready to take up the mantle.

?I?ve been scoring runs and bowling well and I?m really looking forward to this, especially in the conditions in Ireland which suit my game as a swing bowler. In the batting, I should be able to take on the bowling once I get in.?

Six-footer Ryan Steede is also hoping ?to make a name for myself and do the country proud?.

Stating he is in the best condition ever and fully recovered from a right-knee injury, the Bailey?s Bay seamer thinks his two-year stint in the Warwickshire leagues in England (Atherstone Cricket Club) will prove invaluable.

?I lot of these guys are not used to playing in England but I know what to expect and in team meetings I have already shared a few pointers with them.

?I think we have a very good group of players ? some of Bermuda?s best. I?m confident we will qualify,? said the 29-year-old.

Young St. David?s duo, O.J. Pitcher and Delyone Borden, both termed being chosen ?a privilege? and, despite their relative inexperience internationally, are keen to show their worth.

?Age is just a number. It doesn?t reflect my ability. I?ll go out there and do my best and hopefully make Bermuda proud,? said Pitcher.

The versatile 22-year-old expects not only to be relied upon in batting and bowling but in the field too as he is accustomed to patrolling ?busy positions? such as the covers or point.

Borden has an extra special reason for wanting to shine in his first outing at this level.

It?s three months since the 20-year-old?s cricket-loving dad Delbie?s sudden death from a heart attack. His son yearns to pay tribute to the biggest influence in his life via their favourite sport.

?I talk to him in my prayers every day and I hope that I can do my best to make him proud and help Bermuda qualify for the World Cup at the same time,? he said.

Though a late replacement for Charlie Marshall, opening batsman Chris Foggo has quickly caught the ?winning? fever ? hailing this Bermuda?s best shot at reaching cricket?s showpiece event.

?It?s hard to express my feelings. I?m so excited but I?m trying to keep my emotions in check and to stay focused.

?This is the highlight of all our careers and we all have the same goal. This has been in the making for years and hopefully it?s coming together now,? declared the 23-year-old who has scored prolifically in recent matches.

Though cognisant of his crucial function behind the stumps, Dean Minors sees himself in a three-dimensional role; one being chief on-field cheerleader.

?I see myself as the one who keeps everyone going when we?re on the field and, in the batting, I?ll be there stabilising things towards the end. Hopefully, I will give a good account of myself,? said the wicketkeeper/batsman.