The Sri Lankan opener put a horror start – one and duck in the opening two rounds – aside to blast 108 on Saturday as the Creekers extended their unbeaten start to three.

Captain Cam Williams said Weerasinghe was a big hitter who employed patient tactics in Creek’s 127-run victory over Dennington.

“It was an exceptional innings. It was his day today – he took an absolute hanger at first slip too,” he said.

“He’s fantastic to watch and it was good to see everyone get around him.

“He’s a loveable character and one of the nicest guys you’ll meet.”

Williams said Weerasinghe showed enough in his Warrnambool and District debut campaign in 2017-18 to encourage Russells Creek to invest in him again.

“He made some half centuries last year and we brought him back this year knowing he was a talented player and a very good fit for our club,” he said.

“He works hard in the nets and is one of the best trainers at the club. Me personally as captain I am very proud of him and the club is as well.”

Weerasinghe, 26, credited co-coach Jayaweera Bandara for his form spike and thanked president Nathan Divall for making Australia feel like home.

“I am very happy. It’s really hard to get,” he said of his century. “It is a good club, Russells Creek.”