HELENSBURGH Hockey Club's first XI continued their preparations for the new league season on Saturday with a 3-0 win against Glasgow University 3.

The Uni side didn't have a goalkeeper, so played with eleven outfield players. This proved trickier than anticipated for the Burgh side as the young, fit students held the upper hand in the first quarter of the game.

Some early chances were well saved by goalkeeper Mark Findlay. Helensburgh did create a number of chances, with the best of the half falling to Gordon Black at a penalty corner.

In the true spirit of the friendly, Helensburgh lent their keeper to Glasgow Uni for the corner, but Black's shot was easily saved.

The third quarter was by far Helensburgh's most dominant; a neat penalty corner routine was stopped by Barry Cox and then passed back post by Rob Heywood, and Jamie Caulfield was in to score the opening goal.

Helensburgh continued to press throughout the quarter, and their dominance showed; Harry Green made a darting run in off the left wing. He found Caulfield in space, before the ball was cut back to Green at the top D and the winger put the ball easily past the Uni defender.

Daniel Dooley completed the scoring with a similar goal, coming in off the left and beating a number of defenders before finding the net.

It was a positive friendly for Helensburgh as they prepare for the upcoming season, with the first XI's opening league fixture due to be at home to Western 4 on Saturday, September 14.

Helensburgh's second and third XIs are due to start their own league campaigns at home to Strathclyde University 2 and Giffnock 2 respectively on the same day.

With the club celebrating 50 years of hockey in Helensburgh, a new badge and new kit have been unveiled for the campaign, with a recent trials day seeing both unveiled for the first time.

More than 20 members came along to give coaches and captains a chance to see where their training sessions need to be focussed ahead of the new campaign.

The club would also like to thank long time sponsor RB Steel for another three-year deal being agreed at the start of the season.

RB Steel have sponsored Helensburgh Hockey Club for over ten years now and continue to support the work that the club do.

Club captain Gordon Black said: “Without the sponsorship from RB Steel, the club wouldn’t be in the position it is today offering hockey to everyone in and around Helensburgh.

"I’d like to thank James Steel and the rest of the team at RB Steel, on behalf of the club, for the continued support."

Senior training continues on Wednesday evenings, with junior hockey on Monday night.

If you'd like to get involved, visit helensburghhockey.co.uk or find the club on socials.