stirred hopes and expectations of further success among all Bermudians when the local team resumes competition in the quarter-final group today against Canada.

The team is on the verge of achieving something never accomplished by any previous Bermuda team in the tournament -- qualifying for the World Cup which is to follow in two years' time.

Under Colin Blades the team reached the 1982 final when the winner, Zimbabwe, advanced and on two other occasions, 1979 under Gladstone (Sad) Brown and 1986 under Arnold Manders, Bermuda reached the last four.

There has been a noticeable improvement on some of the other teams and for that reason nothing can be taken for granted, as noted by past ICC players w The Royal Gazette this week. All, however, are confident that the team under Albert Steede which reach its goal. Here are their views.

Colin Blades, captain in 1982, also member of '79 team: "I prefer to be cautiously optimsitic. Once they do what they are supposed to do I expect the team to qualify.

"I'm not even thinking about qualifying for the World Cup. We have to go and play in the quarter-finals first and then try to qualify for the semifinals.

Then, we can start thinking about finishing in the top three.

"Their first goal is beating Canada and then beating the other teams in their group and progressing from there. I'm one of those people who takes it one step at a time.

"The other teams in the group are reasonably well matched. In the same way they (Bermuda) can raise their game the other teams also have their sights set and could also raise their games as well.

"I've not heard of the United Arab Emirates playing cricket before and Ireland have never been a force to be reckoned with.

"They have to play as a team and work as a team. These one-day games are so difficult to predict. You can't look forward to the finals because you're not even in the semifinals yet.'' Wendell Smith, member of 1982, '86 teams: "We have accomplished a great deal by winning our group. It was important to do that because it allowed us the luxury of being in the weaker of the two groups. We avoided the first three seeds.

"Leading up not many people were talking about the UAE but they obviously have a decent team. Their run rate is one of the best in the tournament.

"Our bowling has been doing a great job, restricting teams to low scores. In previous competitions some of the other teams have been extremely weak. Now they are in there (quarter-finals) with teams that should be of good quality.

"I would think the confidence and morale is fantastic. Everybody in the team seems to have done well at some point. From that standpoint everybody should feel good psychologically knowing that they contributed.

"It should serve us well to have been in a difficult group, having those stressful situations like the tie and then this must-win situation.'' Allan Douglas, 1982, '86, '90: "There's no doubt I feel we can end in the top three. It's a long road yet but today (Monday) they put it together wonderfully and if they continue in that trend they should be alright. It's important they win their next group.

"In previous tournaments it's been an easy road, now they've been shook up by Bangladesh and Young Kenya in the practice matches, and with fine batting by Dean Minors got through against Hong Kong.

"I've always had confidence in (Anthony) Edwards, who has not bowled bad in any tournament he's been in. Terry has bowled tight and I hope Noel and Clevie can continue with the way they've been bowling.

Winston (Coe) Trott, 1979, '82: "They should be alright. What I told the guys before they left is they are not trying to measure up (to previous squads) -- that's not important -- but to go win for their country and for the guys who didn't win before.

"I'm tired of our teams coming home and not having won. I think they can make it and not to just try to qualify. If you aim to win (tournament) and don't win then you will be disappointed -- but you will have still qualified. The key to a successful team is to stay focussed.

"I was never concerned about the bowling, we always leave home and say the bowling is not that good. You have to put runs on the board and then ask people to look after that. The two pace bowlers have given us a good start and I always thought Noel and Clevie would be good support bowlers.

"I had a word of encouragement for the team before they left and told them you should not fear anybody but also not take any team for granted. The guys have to get the best out of each other. Each guy has got to remind the other guy of his job.'' Lionel Thomas, `1979, '82: "The quarter-finals is a different kettle of fish because you have the top eight teams. If you keep winning there is no need for run rates, once you've beaten your opponents. I knew the UAE would have players from Pakistan and India and one could never tell what their standard would be. I listened to the BBC (British Broadcasting Corporation) report and they said that Bermuda and Canada run hot and cold.

"With Bermuda I don't agree with that. We had a tie game against Hong Kong but lost less wickets. That's how the game is played under those rules.

"I don't think the press overseas has given them a fair shake. The times they had to win they won. The results speak for themselves. They played four and won four so they can't be doing badly.

"Hong Kong impressed me a heck of a lot. They have a guy, Atkinson, who plays in the English counties.'' El James, 1979, '82: "From what I see I think our chances are really good.

We've been fortunate in the draw by not having to play what is considered the strongest teams.

"The surprising feature is to see the improvement of the other teams. Hong Kong have come a long way. The United Arab Emirates were not playing when we were there in '79, '82 but Bangladesh have always been a good team.

"I hope they (Bermuda) can at least get through this round. Right now they seem to be getting really good performances from the batting and bowling.

Hopefully they won't peak before the final.

"Their chances (of qualifying for World Cup) on this particular occasion are very good based on the format. Not looking at the teams, but anytime three teams qualify it would seem to be easier.

"I think they stand a very good chances as long as the fellas know their task and go out there and perform on the given day. I wish the team well and it would be good to see Bermuda qualify. This tournament has come a long way and credit should be given where it's due.'' LIONEL THOMAS -- Quarter-finals `a different kettle of fish.'