A thoroughly dominant Clontarf thumped The Hills by 91 runs in their rearranged 20 overs league fixture at Milverton on Thursday night.

Irish international Andrew Poynter smashed 8 fours and 4 sixes in an unbeaten 75 from just 39 balls as Clontarf racked up a mammoth 204 for 2.

Opener Bill Coghlan carried his bat for his 70 not out from 44 balls (5 fours, 5 sixes), sharing a 101 run partnership for the second wicket with Poynter.

Coghlan had a new opening partner in the shape of Joe Morrissey, who hit 33 from 22 balls (5 fours, 1 six) as the pair added 63 in 6 overs to get the Castle Avenue side off to an explosive start.

The Hills bowlers suffered amongst the carnage, with only Luke Clinton (1-26) escaping serious punishment.

In reply Mike Baumgart hit a breezy 33 from 17 balls (3 sixes, 1 four), but teenager Adam Craig reduced their innings to tatters by claiming 5 for 27.

Craig's blitz saw The Hills collapse to 58 for 7, and it took resolute knocks Patrick Byrne (28) and Declan Moore (22) to get them some respectability, as they finished on 113 all out.

A chastening defeat for the defending champions who look to have relinquished their crown even before the half-way stage of the season, with the cups offering their best chance of salvation.