But the masterful 140 from 200 balls that lasted just over five hours proved in vain as Glenorchy inflicted the third loss in four appearances on Cricket Tasmania Premier League’s newcomers.

The Raiders were bowled out for a commendable 284, falling 86 runs shy of victory.

But while Williams was at the crease and hitting 20 boundaries including a six, anything looked possible.

The No.3 batsman shared in a threatening 85-run stand for the sixth wicket with Corey Briggs before part-time offspinner Matt Dilger dismissed the new centurion.

“When Briggsy and I were out there, we thought we have a bit of a sniff out, just for a moment,” Williams said.

“So it was disappointing to go down by as much as we did. I think that will come with a bit more experience in the competition and more results will go our way.”

Williams has now scored all but three centuries in a row each time he has strode to the middle following two Tasmanian under-19 trials, including 97 not out against Glenorchy a fortnight earlier.

He made 57 in the club’s inaugural game at the Twin Ovals to be the first Raider to reach a half-century and now averages 55.25 this season.

The 18-year-old drafted in from Westbury was hoping to look back at the milestone innings fondly, but attributes the glut of early runs to his improved preseason.

“It was pretty special to score it against them out there, but hopefully there’s more to come,” Williams said.

“[My form] is probably down to preparation for the games at the moment.

“I’m preparing pretty well through the week and the coaches have got it pretty sorted at training. So I’m just working hard and doing the simple stuff well.”

Williams resumed at 14 not out at Windsor Park, but lost partner Brodie Hayes to a run out without adding to his five from last Saturday.

Debutant Liam Ryan, who was called up at the last minute, was caught and bowled by Magpies skipper Nathan Matthews for 21 in a 53-run partnership with Williams.

When Lachlan Newland and James Curran both went cheaply for nine, the Raiders were teetering at 5-156.

Allrounder Briggs fought and found the boundary nine times to be the second player to pass fifty for the Raiders.

But the loss of his wicket for 52 off 85 deliveries – 16 runs after Williams’s crusade had ended – sounded out a deflating pursuit of 371.

Jono Chapman (14) and Sam O’Mahony (12 not out) put on 24 in an eighth-wicket partnership, but the home side then lost its last three wickets for just one run.

Glenorchy seamer Umair Butt was the pick of the nine bowlers used with 3-45.