A SEASONED tennis veteran and a first time tournament rookie walked away with the Helensburgh and District Veterans doubles title at the weekend.

In an all Helensburgh Tennis Club final, Bobby Kerr and partner Clive Charters beat David McCowan and Charles Carver in a nail biting tie that went all the way to the tie break. David and Charles stormed into a 3–0 lead in the one set final but Clive and Bobby fought back to force the champions tie break.

Clive and Bobby led throughout and had four match points at 9 – 6. David and Charles never gave up and fought back to 8 – 9 before Bobby finally hit the winning volley to take the trophy.

In the ladies final Joyce Buchanan and Carolan Dobson came up against top veteran Eileen Drummond from Craighelen and Helensburgh’s Anne Munro. The match was very close throughout but Joyce and Carolan seemed to deal with the strong wind better and managed to edge out a narrow win. Thanks go to Val Pace for organising the event and to BBQ chef Ian Parlane.

The club championships are moving towards conclusion with many of the categories having reached the finals stage. In the men’s singles final David Reid will play the winner of the match between Alistair Hope and David McCowan. The ladies final will be a repeat of last year’s where Katie Hope will play Alison Fotheringham. On that occasion Katie had to retire early due to injury.

In the men’s doubles Alistair Hope and David Reid team up together to play Robert Dunbar and Fraser Fulton whilst in the ladies doubles semi-final Carol Bews and Lizzy Burt play Alison Fotheringham and Fiona MacLaren with Ann Morison and Sue Scott waiting for them in the final.

The pick of the over 40’s ties sees David McCowan and Keith Love play Charles Carver and Ian Parlane. Bobby Kerr and Janette Howieson play Ann Morison and Iain MacLaren in the over 40’s mixed doubles final.

In the pick of the over 55’s men’s singles, Iain MacLaren will play the winner of the match between Ralph ward and Mike Bews.

Finals day is on Saturday 22 August from midday and full details of all the matches will be posted on the Helensburgh tennis club website www.tennishelensburgh.org.uk.