CLYDEBANK kicked off their pre-season campaign with 31-25 victory against Helensburgh as the players stepped up their fitness levels made a winning start in their first pre-season game against Helensburgh but more importantly they assessed their fitness levels and areas to work on before the new season gets under way in three weeks’ time.

Helensburgh play in the league above Clydebank so this was a tough test to start with and they quickly scored two tries.

The visitors opened the scoring when they waltzed through some poor tackling in midfield for the game’s opening try, while the second followed some good pressure down the left.

Bank replied with a strong driving maul and David Warden was in control when they crossed the line.

Warden then was involved in the second score as he made a powerful run and was stopped just short of the line and Jamie Boyd dived over from close range.

Burgh scored a cracking try in reply to extend their lead after some nice passing coupled again with poor first-up tackling.

Clydebank then increased their physicality and aggressively took the game to Helensburgh.

Jack McCombe took advantage of a mistake on Burgh’s own line to take the lead, before extending that lead with a strong pushover scrum which the visitors impeded and the referee awarded a penalty try.

Banks’ fifth score was a cracker and try of the day.

After several phases they broke down the blind side and some lovely passing freed up second row Connor Sloss, who galloped down the right wing from 25 metres to score.

Burgh got the game’s final try from a quick tap-and-go penalty as Bank switched off in defence.

The final score of 31-25 was fair and Bank deserved the win after they started slowly in defence with some poor tackling.

The positives from the game were getting 25 players a run out and no major injury scares, while beating a team who play at a higher level was a major confidence boost for the squad.

Clydebank host their annual 10s tournament on Saturday, with two Clydebank teams, two Cartha teams, Strathendrick, Loch Lomond, Strathclyde Police and Hyndland set to compete. All are welcome. First game kicks off at 1pm.