Chris Williams puts on a masterclass as Strathmore thrashes VTCA rival Druids

Strathmore opener Chris Williams put on a masterful display of power-hitting on Saturday to help humble VTCA Senior Division rival Druids.

Chris Williams tore Druids to pieces. Picture: Hamish Blair

Strathmore opener Chris Williams delivered a brutal display of power-hitting on Saturday to humble VTCA Senior Division rival Druids.

The Mores star brought up his century off just 53 balls, smashing 13 fours and nine sixes to reach 150 in just 80 deliveries, before finally being dismissed for 154.

Strathmore finished with a mammoth 8-342 before skittling Druids for 110 to claim a 232-run victory and remind the competition the 2018-19 premier is still a contender.

Captain John Bassi was rapt for Williams after a tough start to the season.

“He was in really good form in the pre-season and worked really hard during the pre-season and has got to capitalise yesterday,” he said.

Chris Williams in action for Strathmore. Picture: Hamish Blair

“He’d been seeing the ball really well, he just got a good one from Parchy last week and the week before at Haig the deck wasn’t great.

“He’s confident and we knew it was coming, it was just a matter of when.”

Williams and coach Omar Phillips (40) put on a 129-run opening stand and Lucas Kennedy (43) kept the running flowing at Shorten Reserve.

Bassi then went to work with the ball, finishing with 3-16 from six overs.

Will Lee and Shijumon Jaleel chipped in with 2-28 and 2-30 respectively as Druids were dismissed in 27 overs.

Shane Windridge top scored for the home team with 38, while Luke Shoesmith added 27.

Bassi said with a big total to chase Druids were forced to attack and praised his bowlers’ pressure.

“It’s easier to go about your business bowling wise when you’ve got 340 runs on the board,” he said.

Lucas Kennedy in action for Strathmore. Picture: Hamish Blair

Andrew Brennan in action for Druids. Picture: Hamish Blair

“They had to attack from ball one, so we knew if we held our nerve and stuck to our plans we’d take wickets.”

Bassi missed last season with a foot injury and was pleased with his return, taking despite not taking a wicket in the opening fortnight.

“The first couple of games I definitely felt a bit light on bowling,” he said.

“Without having an practice matches, you can’t really replicate it at training, but yesterday felt good.”

The win takes Strathmore to second spot on the Senior Division ladder with games against Keilor and Westmeadows to come before Christmas.

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Bassi said there was a positive air around the club after a tough 2019-20.

“It’s a good spot to be in with two games left (before Christmas), so hopefully we can make it 4-1,” he said.

“Everyone’s got a good energy at the moment and we’re just enjoying it.

“That’s the main difference (to last season), everyone’s just happy to have cricket back, nothing’s really changed to be honest.”