Wheathampstead’s remarkable home record in SHL Division Two was ended by Northwood at Nomansland on Saturday.

WCC were unbeaten at home heading in to the game but they struggled in the face of Northwood’s spin attack and failed to chase down 165.

Losing the toss, WCC were put into the field on a damp, grey day with the start time delayed due the wet conditions.

Opening batsman Daniel Rodgers, who scored a ton in the same fixture a year ago, tried to cut the first ball of the innings for four but he instead found the reliable hand of Pete Griffths.

It was the first of three wickets for Jillani Ghulam, who surrendered just 37 runs from his 16-over spell. Nick Martin’s bowling was less economical so he handed the ball to Jimmy McEwen.

The left armer didn’t disappoint. His first spell of 11 overs saw him take two valuable wickets. When he returned after a short break, he took three more to leave him with figures of 5-52.

Dave Dabare chipped in with a brace while the Corran brothers, Matt and David, took a diving catch each as Northwood were bowled out for 165.

In rely, new opener Alastair Sykes was looking good until he edged a ball to the keeper for 14.

Off came the pace and on came two off spinners. With great control and spin, the Northwood bowlers made it extremely hard for the hosts to score runs, and with pressure mounting wickets fell at regular intervals.

With 10 overs left WCC were never going to reach the total with the two spinners Dhaval Panchal and Ross Noach taking four wickets a piece.

Despite some resistance shown from Dabare and Martin, including a six, Northwood won the game with just 12 balls left in the match.