Bermuda Under 19s will march triumphantly to their first ever Cricket World Cup next year after being crowned ICC Americas champions in Toronto.

The unprecedented success marks the second World Cup the Island has qualified in two years with the senior team competing in the 2007 Cricket World Cup in the Caribbean earlier this year. Canada, hosts of the regional qualifiers, had been hotly tipped to secure a coveted World Cup berth but a unbeaten half-century by Stefan Kelly saw Bermuda post 194 for eight wickets for their 50-overs.

In reply the North Americans managed 181 for nine with star Malachi Jones, who starred for the senior team at the 2007 World Cup, picking up three wickets in yesterday's clash. As well as putting Bermuda back on the sporting map, the Bermuda Cricket Board (BCB) will reap financial rewards, receiving a cash windfall from the International Cricket Council (ICC).

Minister of Sports and Cultural Affairs, Wayne Perinchief, who greeted the team back, said: "I thought it was a fantastic effort to win the tournament in Canada. This team will be the replacement for the national team in due course." He added the win justified investment in the team.