Our men's team invited Penzance for a "friendly" as they staged the first match on our new synthetic clay courts on Sunday, September 26, 2020.
With Cornwall League tennis having been cancelled since lockdown, it was the first match for either club for more than six months. 
The visitors ran out 3-1 winners and thoroughly enjoyed being the first “guests” since St Ives became the only club in Cornwall to have artificial clay courts.
Team captain James Brown and Gavan Goulder picked up the St Ives’ victory after being narrowly denied an opening win as Penzance pair Sam Newborn and Erik Dirkx took the deciding champions tie-break before going on to clinch their second win of the afternoon.
Sadly, coronavirus regulations prevented us from publicising the match and attracting spectators. Shame, as we could have had a real opening day party!
A second men's friendly against Penzance two weeks later - featuring eight different players - ended in a 2-2 draw.