Ladies On The Double

By Brian Marantelli 10 July 2019

Race nine on the Victorian Cross Country League calendar was the twenty fifth running of the Caruana 8km Classic at Woodlands Park, Greenvale. Heather Sullivan having a stellar winter produced another season’s best to bring home a convincing victory, her third for the year. Heather had a handy thirty seven seconds to spare over the ultra consistent Tony Moran with the improving Luke Critchley in third place. Heather’s previous wins have been a parkrun at Pakenham, Rendina Family 5km and the Woodlands event over the tough 8km course at Greenvale. Fastest time went to David Spence (28:23). The 25^th running of the Caruana will unfortunately be the last running of one of the club’s favourite events. All those associated with the VCCL would like to express our sincere gratitude to Machelle and Joe Caruana for the incredible generosity and dedication to the VCCL and our members.

The following Saturday, July 6^th, The VCCL once again tackled the tough Athletics Victoria Relay competition and once again produced very satisfying results. The division three team, led out by Oscar Robinson, finished a solid second to ladder leaders Mornington Peninsula. Mornington and VCCL have distanced themselves from their opponents and look likely to have a stirring tussle for the remainder of the winter. The Division six team had another comprehensive win with Julian Harris running a good first leg, handing over to father Craig, then onto Matt Sullivan and David Page who was able to come home a comfortable winner. The division six have a very comfortable lead in the season’s table, with Doncaster in second place. The Division seven team finished a creditable fifth and gained valuable points to maintain their position in fourth place overall. The women’s team, down on members, entered an invitation team in an event where Janine McKerron registered her 100^th run with the Club. Well done to Janine, not only on her 100^th run but also her tireless work each race day.

The Club’s sealed handicap conducted on the relay results was won by Irene James, running with division seven, and scoring her eighth Club win. Irene, showing her liking for the Sandown Motorway, followed up last season’s Sandown win with Saturday’s narrow three second victory over Daniel Lawlor and Julian Harris in third place. Irene’s eight wins have ranged from the “sprint” 3.1km of last season’s weather shortened Sandown relay to the Norm Charles 10km, formerly the club’s major race. Oscar Robinson (19:49) was the fastest time.

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