Mascot wins dance-off after controversy!
A tactical masterstroke helped Northamptonshire Steelbacks mascot Steeler seal victory in the Twenty20 cricket dance-off – but the cheeky canine's antics left his rivals barking mad.
The loveable hound caused controversy when he strolled in last during the annual mascot race, preferring to cock his leg over the fences rather than jumping the obstacles.
But Steeler insisted his all-too-public desire to mark his territory was simply a tactic to ensure he was lighter on his feet for the main event – the mascot dance-off.
He faced old rival Kenny Kennington from Surrey in the final and his stunning dancefloor repertoire, perfected in the pubs and clubs of Northampton, ensured he came out as top dog.
Steeler said: "It was absolutely fantastic. The whole thing was a blur, I can't even remember what music was being played. I just went with the flow and relied on my natural rhythm.
"I was delighted at beating Kenny in the final. We have a bit of history. We're good friends back in the kennel but when we step out on to the field there is an intense rivalry."
Steeler has been entertaining the crowds during Twenty20 clashes at the County Ground for the past two seasons and, after a disappointing start, the weekend's finals day was the undoubted pinnacle of his career.
He said: "The race itself didn't go well. It was a long, hot day and the warm-up took it out of me.
"I finished last and was still completing my lap when they were dishing out the awards to the winner. I decided to get the crowd on my side and have a bit of a laugh by going for a wee at each fence.
"The tactics served me well as it helped conserve my energy and made me lighter on my feet. It didn't do Paula Radcliffe any harm did it?"
Having been catapulted into the limelight following his stunning televised success, Steeler has the world at his dancing feet, but said he was happy at Wantage Road – for the time being.
He said: "It's been great, the whole thing is so exciting. I am happy in Northamptonshire at the moment, but obviously I am open to offers."
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Saturday 26 May 2012
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