REIGNING gents’ champion Shey Donald posted the lowest score of the day in the third qualifying round for this year’s Helensburgh Golf Club championship as the battle for places in the knockout stages hots up.

Donald’s gross 73 included a two-under-par back nine and saw him win the first class of the medal competition with a net 70.

The latest two qualifying rounds produced good scores for several of the favourites, with Donald repeating his gross 73 in the fourth qualifier.

Previous champion Simon Barrass added a 75 to his 73 giving him a good chance of reaching the knockout stages.

In the fourth qualifier Scott Barclay repeated his gross 68 to cement his place and ensure a low seeding when the knockout places are finalised.

Graeme Proud, meanwhile, added a 76 to his previous 74 in the third qualifier but bettered that with a 71 in the fourth.

Another previous champion, Keith Baird, was unable to play in the first three qualifiers but banked a good score of 72 – though he needs a similarly good score in either of the final two qualifiers to be sure of his place in the matchplay stages.

Gordon English had the best score in the second class with an 83, ensuring his place in the matchplay phase after returning a score of 83 in the first qualifier.

Robin Gall’s 87 was the lowest third class score in the third qualifying round, though in the fourth round Yuen Hawes and Roy Nisbett both bettered that with scores of 83.

Away from the fight for club championship honours, Don Griffin won the senior midweek medal with 44 stableford points, eight shots below his handicap, while Gary Stillwell won the monthly 11 hole eclectic medal with 24 points.

The first class section of the ladies’ June medal was won by the lady captain, June Haggarty, with a net 73, while Sue Black took the honours in the bronze section with a net 77.