Helensburgh Tennis Club’s over 60s men’s team now sit in joint first place in their division after two victories last week.

Playing in Hillhead, Alastair Hope and Bill Ram won their match after getting off to a strong start - but had to fight for the win after their opponents stepped up.

Keith Love and Iain MacLaren fought hard to improve upon what was a slow start to achieve their win.

The club’s convenor, Bobby Kerr, said: “The mild but showery weather conditions, with a short stoppage for a downpour, didn’t stop Alastair Hope and Bill Ram at first couple as they settled quickly and got off to a flying start.

“Their 5-1 lead was soon eroded and they had to fight to win the first set as their opponents took them all the way to the tie break.

“The second got away from them as they lost it 1 – 6. In the final set they came back from 4 – 5 down as they stuck in through punishing rallies to take the set on another tie break for a great 2-1 win.

“Keith Love and Iain MacLaren at 2nd couple had a slow start as they adjusted to the showery weather but settled and soon gained confidence.

“Steady volleying and consistency from Iain, combined with the power of Keith's left-hand returns ensured a solid win 6 - 2, 6 - 2, 6 - 0.

“The team now lies at joint first in the division.”

Other teams did not fare as well in their matches as in Clarkston, the first men’s team – consisting of Cameron White and Alan MacBeath - came away without a win.

Playing in Rutherglen, the third men’s couple Iain MacLaren and Harry Gould lost after a tie breaker.

Also in Rutherglen, the men’s fourth couple lost 1-8 after winning last weekend against Nuffield Milngavie.

The men’s second couple played a home match against Bearsden and an away match against Strathgryffe but lost both.

Bobby added: “In other matches the men’s 1st team travelled to league leaders Clarkston and could only come away with two sets.

“The men’s 3rd team had a very tight match away at Rutherglen where Iain MacLaren and Harry Gould at 1st couple lost 1 – 2 as did Keith Love and Matt Mackie.

“At 3rd couple Graham Court and James McGuckin almost took all three sets just losing out on the 3rd 6 – 7 in a nail-biting tie break.

“After their win against Nuffield Milngavie last week, the men’s 4th team came back to earth with a bang as they lost 1 – 8 to Rutherglen.

“Meanwhile the men’s 2nd team had two matches last week with a narrow loss at home to Bearsden 4 – 5 then a trip to Strathgryffe saw a similar score despite winning all the opening sets.”

The ladies over 60s teams lost to Bishopton and to Mount Vernon.