The defending premiers smashed 167 in the T20 match at Grinsted Oval and despite a valiant effort from Post Office, went on to record their fourth win by 26 runs.

Inn / High School captain Mark Stirling led the way, belting 93 of his team’s total in the first innings, with Andy Hardy (1/10 from four overs) the only Postie bowler seemingly spared.

Jason Hoswell (23), Selwyn Bale (21) and Clayton King (16) all supported Stirling, who came to the crease at 1/25 and was the last man out, at 5/164.

Set 168 for victory, Post Office Hotel started well and were in a good position at drinks.

A tight spell from the Inn / High School bowlers swung the match firmly in the bowling team’s favour and the nine-man Postie team were still 26 shy of victory at the end of 20 overs.

Nathan Battishall (49) and Andrew Glasson (45) gave Post Office every chance with an 83 run partnership but once they fell - to Mick Ondrovcik 1/16 from three, and Jason Hoswell 2/13 from three respectively - the run chase stumbled.

Postie were 3/141 at the end of 20 overs.

Tim Prior (4/31 from four overs) and Andy Hardy were the wicket-takers for Postie, who have just the one win (against VC Reid) so far this summer.

In Saturday's other match, an unbeaten half century by Jarrod McDean has helped Masterstroke Painters / Forbes Inn to a seven wicket win in Forbes cricket.

McDean hit 52 not out for the local competition’s newest team, who defeated VC Reid with two overs to spare in the T20 round at South Circle.

VC Reid had earlier been bowled out for 103 in 18 overs, with Clinton Larkings (26) and Jarrod Andrews (18) the top scorers.

Masterstroke Painters bowlers Matt Skene (3/16 from four overs) and Jarrod McDean (3/28 from four) took regular wickets in the first innings, supported by Damian Kennedy (1/10 from three), Brad McDean (1/ 8 from two), Dylan Bray and Josh Vale, who all chipped in with a wicket apiece.

While competitive, VC Reid’s tally wasn’t enough in the second innings with McDean and Kennedy (23 not out) hitting the winning runs in the 18th over.

Isaac Vale, Tim Coombs and Brad McDean were either caught or trapped in front, with Jarrod Andrews (1/9 from three), Matt Simmonds (1/11 from three) and Andrew Bayley (1/ 8 from two) taking the wickets.

Saturday’s win was the first for Masterstroke Painters, although they did earn points for receiving a first round forfeit.