The defeat leaves Burgh propping up the rest of the table following a tough start to the season.

The game started fairly slowly with both teams taking their time to get into their stride. The passing was slow and both teams were giving away possession cheaply.

The first effort on goal wasn’t recorded until the 10th minute when Kelburne managed to force a save from Wain. Eventually both teams picked up the pace and the game looked a little livlier.

Burghs forays into the opposition half were mainly coming through J. Caulfield as he looked to make an impression on the game.

J. Cox was playing well also, holding the ball up front — but Helensburgh couldn’t work the Kelburne goalkeeper.

Kelburne were having more luck going forward, and looked threatening as the Helensburgh defence struggled to cope. Kelburne scraped in the first goal of the game with Wain left sprawling for the ball as the Kelburne striker nicked in to score.

They were two up not too long after, when a disastrous ball from Park fell to a Kelburne player who was through on goal.

The oncoming Wain was deemed to have got the man and not the ball and a penalty flick was awarded. Wain was close to saving — but not close enough — as Burgh fell two behind. Both Cox’s up front had efforts saved by the Kelburne keeper and it seemed like Burgh were again struggling in front of goal.

Both teams came out fighting in the second-half and whilst the hockey wasn’t much better, the intensity was from Helensburgh.

McMenemin was having a good game down the wing for but they couldn’t capitalise on his play.

Kelburne got themselves a third goal with a well-executed short corner to seal the win.

Helensburgh would finally get into the game, with good combination hockey between Black, Kennedy and J. Caulfield. Kennedy managed a shot on goal which rebounded to Black — he in turn found Caulfield who slotted the ball neatly under the oncoming keeper to give the home side some hope of gaining something from the tie.

With the bit between their teeth Burgh pushed on. Some smart thinking by Black to take a quick free hit seemed to elude both teams as his shot fizzed passed the back post.

As the game went on, it seems the intensity was too much for regulars McWilliam and B. Cox as both had to go off injured. G. Caulfield was struggling as well but Burgh dug in and looked to scrape something back from the game.

S. Murphy had a fantastic solo effort after picking up the ball in his own half and showing his pace all the way into the D.

His shot wasn’t great and a scramble ensued between J. Cox, J. Caulfield and number of Kelburne defenders. J. Caulfield got the touch that put the ball home.

Helensburgh fought on for the rest of the game but it seemed too much to ask to get an equalising goal. Another poor start to the game cost Helensburgh again this week.

Next week, the team hope to tackle Hillhead 4s in the final game of the first half of the season. With a few ex-Helensburgh players in the Hillhead team, it’s set to be an early Christmas cracker.

Go along and watch at Hermitage Academy from 11.15 as Helensburgh look for a win..

The third XI were away at Rottenrow and it was a good day for the youngsters to experience playing at the National Hockey Centre. However the dominating Rottenrow side put Burgh to the sword as they ran out a ruthless 13-0.

This just highlights the need for more players for Helensburgh Hockey Club.

If you’re interested – please contact the team via Facebook or at www.helensburghhockey.com.

Helensburgh: Wain, McWilliam, Park, McGregor, J. Murphy, Black, Kennedy, Hartopp, McMenemin, J. Cox, J. Caulfield, G. Caulfield, S. Murphy, B. Cox.

Thanks to John Friel for umpring.