Helensburgh Tennis Club

HELENSBURGH Tennis Club's ladies third team went into their final match of the season against Anchor Linwood last week knowing that they had to win at least 5 sets to 4 if they were to be crowned division 4b champions and gain promotion to division three.

The team started nervously with 1st couple Lizzy Burt and Yvonne MacFarlane losing their opening set as did Rona Foster and Judith Reilly at 3rd couple. Fiona Chalmers and Morag Cawley at 2nd however held their nerve and took their first set 6-3.

The second sets on all three courts went Helensburgh's way including a very tight tiebreak set on court one. With only one set required for victory the team changed the pace of the game which unsettled their opponent's rhythm.

This tactic had the desired effect and it was Morag and Fiona who clinched the vital fifth set, swiftly followed by Lizzy and Yvonne to give the team a great 6-3 win.

Team captain Yvonne said she was delighted with her team's performance over the season, including Joanna Crumless and Sue Scott who also played.

There will be a play-off in late August against Whitecraigs 3 who were the winners of division 4a for the fourth division trophy.

This is Helensburgh's second team to top their division after the ladies seconds won division 2a. They will play Kilmacolm for the second division trophy.

Work on resurfacing courts 6 and 7 is almost complete along with new fencing around the two courts. The contract is entering its final stage this week with sand being applied to the two synthetic grass courts.

Grounds convener Ian Parlane said that he was hoping for a period of dry weather which will help the contractors.

Entry forms are now available for the Helensburgh & District Junior Restricted Tournament which starts soon.  For further details contact Alison Reid at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or phone her on 01436-671676.

The ladies third team are pictured (from left): Rona Foster, Fiona Chalmers, Morag Cawley, Judith Reilly, Lizzy Burt and Yvonne MacFarlane. Photo by Bobby Kerr.