IT'S been eight years since Gavidu Shiwantha Kumura Langappuli - known as 'Shiv' - played alongside best mate Shashan Silva.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The duo, buddies from their time at Prince of Wales College, have a storied history of cricket and friendship.
Starting as schoolmates, the pair graduated to work at the same Sri Lankan bank and are now on the cusp of becoming brothers in law when Shiv marries his Warrnambool-raised fiance.
Now, almost a decade on, Shiv and Silva will reunite on field for Russells Creek in the Warrnambool and District Cricket Association this season.
"My partner is from here, so that's why we decided to move down from Melbourne in the start," he told The Standard.
Most of the time we've been together, being school friends, and bank friends.
- Gavidu Shiwantha Kumura Langappuli
"Her parents and everyone are here and it's a really good town. I came here a few times before we decided to move.
"There are good people and it's just a beautiful city."
The chance to play alongside a best mate was also a contributing factor.
"Most of the time we've been together, being school friends, and bank friends," Shiv said.
"It's a really good practice sessions and really good people. Being with good people is the most important thing for me.
"Sash told me they have good players and when I came here, I saw that. Moonee Ponds were really good to me as my first club. (Russells Creek) is my second club and I think it's going to be my last club."
READ MORE:
The left-arm spinner, who this past season turned out for Moonee Ponds in Melbourne, is relishing the chance to take the field.
"(Russells Creek) has won championships in the past. My best friend playing here too - I don't want to go against him," Shiv laughed.
"It's been eight years since I've played with him. We played for the bank so it's been almost eight or 10 years.
"He was my captain. Not under his command, but playing with him is great."
Shiv said co-coaches Andrew Thomson and Darren Loft had worked to improve his game throughout pre-season.
"I can see there are a lot of good potentials in this team," he said.
"I think we can definitely win this season.
"I'm happy to give my full, like 200 per cent support, for this team. When I played for Moonee Ponds last season, we won the championship.
"I want to get that same feeling again here with Russells Creek."
The Standard understands Shiv will slot immediately into Creek's division one outfit.
The Creekers will face off against the Justin Lynch-led Merrivale in round one at Merrivale Oval. It will be a one-day fixture.
Have you signed up to The Standard's daily newsletter and breaking news emails? You can register below and make sure you are up to date with everything that's happening in the south-west.