An exciting finish to the relay at The Tan saw our girls hang on for an historic win thus providing the Club’s first Women’s Division 1 premiership in any season.

Going into the final race locked with Glenhuntly at the top of the ladder the task was ‘simple’ – just beat the Hunters!

Our team certainly rose to the job in hand and despite finishing second in the race, we did hold off Glenhuntly, albeit by just eleven seconds, to bring home the bacon!

Tammy Quinn led the team off and set a good foundation for Erchana Murray Bartlett and Virginia McCormick to follow. Simone Maillardet, up from the under 18 ranks, put in a terrific lap to maintain our position in the field, but it was Amy Robinson who was left to ‘bring it all home’ with a very determined effort. The final Glenhuntly runner gave her all to actually hit the lead (in the premiership race) at the back of the course, but with some support from other Collingwood athletes spread around the track and a brilliant tactical run, Amy sat on her opponent until the last 600 metres, then making the vital break to secure the necessary finishing position.

Needless to say there were jubilant scenes at the finish line with much excitement from the Collingwood crowd. The mood continued for quite some time with presentations firstly of the silver medals for the race placing and then the premiership pennant.

Apart from the five heroes of Saturday’s epic there were a number of people who also deserve recognition as part of the team having filled a spot in the Division 1 ranks at some stage during the season. These include Henni Lawrence, Cara Foot, Rachel Delany, Melissa Vandewater, Anna McKenzie-McHarg and Alison Shinners.

An added bonus to the day was the success also of the Division 5 team which also won their division’s Premiership. It is only fair to mention the other participants in the season. Although some may have actually run in neither Premiership team, their presence was instrumental in filling teams and thus enabling the Club to gain the point necessary for success. Natasha Key, Mena Butler, Cesca Coles, Jessica Newton, Jessie Moyses, Evie Rosa, Katie Cipa, Kylie Johnson, Nadiah Abdulramin, Carly Black, Alison Chapman, Carine McGinnity, Claire Ryan, Katie Ward, Gaynor Blankley and Mazey Taylor all part of a very successful winter season for our Lady Magpies.

Not only were the runners pleased with the efforts on Saturday. Many long standing members of the Club were quite excited with the results. Indeed history was certainly made at The Tan!