Bermuda's victorious ICC Intercontinental Cup cricket squad were given a warm reception outside the grounds of Cabinet yesterday, shortly after returning home from Toronto.

With Premier Alex Scott leading the festivities, fully decked in a multi-coloured Bermuda ICC Trophy team jersey, national coach Gus Logie and his supporting cast ? now dubbed the 'Northrock Warriors' by absent Sports Minister Dale Butler ? were paraded before Government officials and a sparse but appreciative gathering.

Bermuda defeated Canada by 48 runs last Thursday and then thrashed Cayman Islands by an innings and 105 runs on Monday to clinch the Americas regional three-nation tournament, and return home with silverware for the first time in history at the senior national level.

It was the first time Bermuda had clinched a championship in Toronto since 1979 when Charlie Marshall led the Island to International Youth Tournament success under then national coach Bob Jones.

Scott said: "These excellent cricketers went to Europe and qualified (for the 2007 World Cup), went to North America and came back victorious and now they are off to Mother Africa . . . have mercy! And the end is not yet in sight. There is something about sports which lifts the spirit of a nation. Just look at how Bermuda has followed every ball, batting stroke and every out that these men have accomplished overseas."

Scott then urged the entire country to rally behind a national squad that has gone from relative obscurity to dizzying heights in just over a month under Logie's watch.

"These are our boys and so support them all of the time. They have made the sacrifice and so we support them and wish them well," he said.

Scott added: "I am very proud to have on this uniform because they have made it stand for something. No longer is it just a shirt but a symbol of victory, tremendous courage and a wonderful group of ambassadors for this country.

"Keep on keeping on because we are behind you, we love you and we support you."

Former Sports Minister Randy Horton also heaped praise on the Island's victorious team.

"I think history will speak wonders of the efforts you have put in because I truly believe that a community is very much moved by the success of its sporting teams," he said.

"And certainly I believe that the spirit of Bermuda will be enhanced as a result of your prowess on the cricket field. You have now set a standard and I want to encourage you to continue . . . as you go onto Namibia and the World Cup."

Horton also had high praise for coach Logie who has made a huge impact in local cricket since joining Bermuda Cricket Board's ranks in early April.

"Congratulations to coach Mr. Logie who seems to have come and really helped the players to gel into what we want to see and that is team Bermuda. Congratulations guys and all the best in the future," Horton, himself a former top cricketer, added.

Speaking on behalf of absent Sports Minister Butler, Michael Scott stated: " Bermuda is very, very proud of you. And all of Bermuda truly celebrates your dedication, discipline and trust in God to guide you from one cricket milestone to the next.

"You returned home today with wins that were sizzling. The defeat of the Cayman Islands and the cliff-hanging victory over worthy opponents Canada ring in our ears and now Namibia looms.

"So on behalf of the Minister of Community Affairs and Sports, honourable Dale Butler and all my Cabinet colleagues present, I am very privileged indeed to thank captain Clay Smith and the senior national team for a job well done."

Clearly exhausted from two absorbing three-day matches in seven days, Bermuda skipper Clay Smith ? who led from the front on tour with the bat ? thanked those gathered for their wonderful support.

"It is indeed an honour to be captain of this country at this particular time when we are going through such a high," said Smith, who scored a record 138 against Cayman Islands over the weekend at Toronto Cricket Club.

"I must say to the country that it has not been easy. These players that you see sitting in front of you have been working since last October. It's been a whole years of sacrifices and commitment and through sacrifices and commitment are we here where we are today."

Smith also thanked the players' families.

"The families have also played a major role in this," he added. "I know my family has missed me on many occasions but this is the type of commitment which is needed to take this country to another level.

"And I can assure you we will not be going to Namibia to lie down. We know Kenya (Bermuda's Intercontinental Cup semi-final opponents) are a top class team. But for Dean (Minors) and myself who were a part of the 1994 team (ICC Trophy) we have a little revenge that we are seeking over Kenya.

"And I just want the public to stick behind this team which has worked tremendously hard for this country because there is a lot more bright things to come in the future."