HELENSBURGH Tennis Club will welcome players from Craighelen, Cardross and Kirktonhill to the area’s annual over-40s district competition on Saturday, July 21.

After expenses, all the money raised will be split amongst the charities nominated by the winners of each event. Play starts at 12 noon next Saturday, and entry forms are available from each club or from Bobby Kerr at bobby.kerr@tennishelensburgh.org.uk.

Meanwhile, Helensburgh’s men’s first team gave their hopes of avoiding relegation a huge boost with a 6-3 win at home to champions-in-waiting Newlands last week.

Helensburgh made the better start, with Allan Adam and Kevin Stephen winning the first two sets 6-2, 6-2 before just losing the third.

At third couple, Alastair Hope and Bobby Kerr continued their great form by bagging all three sets 6-2, 6-2, 6-4.

At second couple David McCowan’s partner Phil Hamilton played with a hamstring injury, and with no replacement available the pair lost the first two sets 5-7, 5-7 – but despite his injury, Phil refused to concede the final set and the pair battled on to win it 6-3.

Helensburgh now have to win just two sets against David Lloyd West End to avoid the drop.