Helensburgh Tennis Club’s ladies' first team earned a hard-fought fought but win over league leaders Newlands last week.

The visitors arrived with a mixture of hard-hitting youth and very experienced international players, so Helensburgh knew immediately that the going would be tough, and so it proved over the course of the evening.

Yolande Trewhella and Gay Black, having lost the first two sets, were determined to do their bit for the team and fought hard to collect the final set 6-4.

At second pair, Jo Kerr and Ann Morison took a little time to adjust to the hard hitting of their younger opponents, losing the first set.

They improved their consistency and with Jo’s accurate volleying finishing off many points, they were able to pick up the remaining sets 6-4, 6-2.

Meanwhile the Newlands first couple raced through the first set, only to face a determined fightback against Karrie Walters and Katie Hope 7-5 to leave the overall match score finely balanced at four sets apiece.

With very little to choose between the couples it was a nerve-racking final set, but the Helensburgh pair were in fine form and just managed to edge over the line 6-4, giving the delighted home side an overall 5-4 victory.

The ladies' third team played host to Milngavie, where first couple Jackie Hunter and Alison Fotheringham struggled to tame their powerful opponents despite some very close games.

They lost the opening two sets 3-6, 2-6 before almost taking the third set.

They led throughout but Milngavie once again raised their game and snatched it 5–7.

At second couple, Janette Howieson and Fiona MacLaren had no answers as they lost all three sets.

However, Sue MacRae and Gill Brydon took both their opening sets 7–5, 6–4 before losing the third 3–6.

The ladies' 60+ team travelled to Rutherglen on Monday where Jackie Hunter and Janette Howison, playing at first couple, had a straightforward 6-1, 6-1, 6-3 win.

Jill Fulton and Joy Michie at second couple had a much closer battle and were unlucky to lose the first set tiebreak 6-7, and although the long rallies continued, they were unable to secure a set, losing 3–6, 3-6.