HELENSBURGH Cricket Club capped an excellent season on Sunday when they clinched their first cup win for eight years.

The Burgh club lifted the Glasgow Cup after sealing victory over Weirs Cricket Club in the final in at Shawholm in Pollok Park on Sunday.

Helensburgh went into the game as underdogs and it was little surprise that Weirs chose to bat after winning the toss. Skipper Duncan Stephens opened with Gregor Chambers and Alex Todd, he was instantly rewarded when 15-year-old Chambers struck in the first over with an excellent diving catch by wicket keeper Rhodri Davies.

Todd kept a tight line from the other end as Chambers struck again in his third and fourth overs and Todd himself picked up a wicket in his fourth over.

In total Weirs managed just 36 runs for the loss of four wickets from their first eight overs as Chambers and Todd, 3 for 15 and 1 for 18 respectfully, backed by some excellent fielding, set the tone for the innings.

Weirs continued to struggle with the bat as Marc Christiansen, 2 for 18, Rajitha Arachchi, 1 for 23, and Duncan Stephens, 2 for 14, continued to apply the pressure. In the end Weirs were all out in 19.2 overs for 93.

Helensburgh excelled throughout in the field taking all their chances, seven catches and one run out, and conceded just 12 extras. One catch from Stephens in the deep particularly stood out.

Duncan Stephens and John Allan opened the Helensburgh innings against a lively Weirs attack. Stephens was first to fall with the score on 24. Davies came in and good running between him and Allan saw the score reach 47 before Davies was run out.

Allan was out for an excellent 18 with the score on 50. It was an innings of real maturity and had set the base for the run chase perfectly.

Christiansen continued to nudge the score upward, but when he fell on 74, Duncan Williams and Gregor Chambers fell in consecutive balls, then Chunki Arora was run out, Helensburgh were wobbling at 79 for 7.

Enter Graeme Lang, to steady the ship. With only Chris Thomas and Alex Todd to come, the veteran held up one end whilst Rajitha nudged the ball around and kept the scoreboard moving.

It was Raj (22 not out) who finally hit the winning runs in the 18th over to give Helensburgh a well deserved win and round off an excellent all round team performance.

It caps an excellent season for the club, with good league performances from the first and second teams and the midweek side. The juniors are also on the march with a fresh influx at the youngest level and at under-15s.

Pre-season training for 2016 kicks off immediately on Thursday nights for seniors and Friday nights for juniors.

Anyone interested in joining either group can find details at Helensburghcc.com.