PHILADELPHIA, NOV 22 ; Despite deadly bowling spell by Tim Ford who took five wickets for12 runs in six overs, including a hat-trick, Napa Valley Cricket Club narrowly lost a low scoring match against the historic Philadelphia Cricket Club by three wickets. Ford earned the distinction of performing three-in-a-row feat in Napa Valley Cricket Club’s history.
Philadelphia CC scored 122 for 7 in 27.3 overs in reply to Napa Valley’s total of 121 for 9 in 30 overs.
After overnight and morning rain threatened the game, NVCC went out to bat under overcast conditions and were soon in trouble, losing a wicket in the opening over. The pair of Michael Rule and Alastair Martin dug in and slowly moved the score along to 22 before Rule fell to a catch. This was the first of three partnerships of about 20 runs that moved the score along to five wickets for 82, but the lack of a longer partnership hurt NVCC.
After Tim Ford fell for an innings high 37 runs NVCC lost three more wickets in quick succession slumping to eight out for 97 before Clive Richardson helped the tail wag putting on 19 runs to help NVCC to 121 at the end of their 30 overs.
With the clouds dispersing and sunshine warming the ground, Philadelphia began the chase in swash buckling form racing to 53 in nine overs, with opener Mark Marsan hitting 36 off 31 balls, before losing two quick wickets. The NVCC bowlers began to restrict the Philadelphia scoring and the game started to even up.
Philadelphia had reached 94 for the loss of just four wickets, thanks largely to a steady 32 from Riz Ishmail, in the 23rd over when Tim Ford struck with his hat-trick, all the more impressive as all three were cleaned bowled.
With his second delivery in the 24th over, Tim Ford bowled Levin Fred (8). With his next ball, Ford bowled Andrew Downs (0) and completed his unique feat by uprooting the wickets of Clive Anderson (0).
At seven for 94 the game was evenly poised, however George Connelly for Philadelphia wrapped the game up with a rapid-fire 20 off 14 balls to give the home team victory with 15 balls to spare.
After the game Napa touring captain Colin Nolan presented Mark Marshan of Philadelphia with the traditional Clos du Val Man of the Match award and NVCC president Phil Bourke presented Philadelphia captain Tom Culp with a signed bottle of Clos du Val wine to commemorate the trip.
Englishman Nolan reflected on the tour saying “The team felt honored to play on a beautiful ground that was reminiscent of many cricket clubs in England. In addition, to play against a team of absolute gentlemen made the experience somewhat special. While Napa Valley Cricket Club lost the match after a good comeback, our players will always remember the tour with the fondest of memories. To top the day off with a Philly cheese steak, put the icing on the cake!”
Brief scores: Napa Valley CC: 121 for 9 in 30 overs (Michael Rule 12, Alistair Martin 17, Tim Ford 37, Tim Irwin 7, Phil Bourke 9, Clive Richardon 19, Chris Spaeth not out 11, Hugo Mazzalupi 2 for 8, Riz Ishmail 2 for 21, Mark Marsan 2 for 28, Satish 2 for 14).
Philadelphia CC: 122 for 7 in 27.3 overs ( Mark Marsan 36, Satish 14, Riz Ishmail 32 not out, Fred Levin 8, George Connelly 20 not out, Tim Ford 5 for 12, Tim Irwin 1 for 13, Nolin Colin 1 for 16).
Napa will be participating in the quarter-finals of the Last Man Stands US Championships at Piper Park in Marin on December 6.