The left-hander’s sizzling 128 enabled the Havens to post a formidable 8-365 on day one of the side’s clash with Macquarie Hotel at Port Macquarie’s Oxley Oval.

Williams entered the fray with the team 1-0 and departed with the score at 5-237.

“It was a patient knock, as I batted about 50 or 60 overs,” he told the Port News.

“I started cautiously and gave a few chances early on.

“But, after that, I played my shots and the runs flowed.

“It’s funny – I scored a ton in second grade last season, and gave no chances.

“Sometimes you just have to ride your luck.”

The Havens, on the bottom of the table before this match, also saw Ryan Beakey (53), Chris Yewdall (47), Todd Dalton (35 not out) and Daniel Minns (34) find a bit of form with the bat.

“Three-hundred and sixty-five should be enough to win,” Williams admitted.

“I’m pretty confident but early wickets are important.

“If we can snare three or four quickly, it puts pressure on their other batsmen.

“Otherwise, and we showed this last weekend, if they get settled, there are runs in the middle.”

While the Havens’ top and middle-order came to the party on Saturday, the attention will turn to their bowlers tomorrow.

“Sam Kerr (averaging 10.17) and his brother Nathan are key men,” Williams said.

“Brad Aldous (10.80) has been good for us too, while second-changers like Daniel (Minns) and Todd (Dalton) are on the mark.”

Williams believes a big victory could be just the tonic the Havens need to kick-start their 2009-10 campaign.

“We were around the ball park in our first two games,” he explained.

“But, we needed to improve our batting.

“So, it was good to get this total (8-365).

“The boys now hope to carry that form into the New Year.”

In the other round six fixture tomorrow, at Andrews Park, Port City Leagues is in deep trouble against the defending premiers, Wauchope RSL.

After dismissing Wauchope RSL for a competitive 186, Port City will resume its run chase at 3-17 – requiring a further 169 with only seven wickets in hand.