People deal with victory very differently. Otago
all-rounder Ian Butler leapt down the pitch and punched the
air in delight.
He had just smacked a delivery from Wellington's Jesse Ryder
to the long-on boundary to seal a four-wicket win for his
side in the HRV Cup twenty/20 final at the University Oval in
Dunedin yesterday.
''It was one of my biggest celebrations,'' Butler said.
''You always say after you've had a good game or win a trophy
that it is the best day in your life, but it is certainly one
of the most satisfying days in my career.''
Butler's exuberant celebration was in stark contrast to Otago
coach Vaughn Johnson's reaction.
About 30 minutes after the match finished, and in the bowels
of the grandstand, he was close to tears and emotionally
exhausted.
''There has just been a lot of pressure leading up to
today,'' he said, choking back the emotion.
''I'm just pleased we got over the line.
''I wear my heart on my sleeve a little bit and it has been a
lot of hard work.''
Butler's boundary was welcomed warmly by the capacity crowd
of 3230 people. They rose to their feet to applaud the home
team and acknowledge a magnificent campaign during which the
Volts won 10 consecutive games.
It would have been a huge let-down had the team won nine in a
row and then stumbled at the final hurdle.
Only five other teams have won 10 or more twenty/20 games in
a row.
The championship means the Volts have earned the right to
contest the qualifying round of the Champions League in India
and will pick up a participation fee of $US500,000.
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