Nursing a hamstring injury, the 36-year-old came in at four in pursuit of Launceston's 6-348 last weekend and nearly won an unwinnable game off his own bat.

Eight sixes and 18 fours amounted to a 100-ball knock of 163 - the highest score from a Shamrock in all one-day competitions - that saw Westbury to within eight runs of a famous win.

Cricket North's player of the round award was just compensation for the gripping two-hour knock.

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"I didn't have a look at the scoreboard when I was batting - just bat," Athukorala said.

"The first 50 runs I was probably getting a run a ball but after that I don't know - just no plan, just see the ball, hit the ball.

"I had a good two partnerships with Lloyda [Joel Lloyd] and Humey [Kieren Hume] - it was so fun, they helped me when I'm batting.

"It was really unfortunate to not get over the line but it was probably one of the dream innings to be honest, it was my highest score anywhere in the world, even in my life.

"I'm still kicking myself I couldn't get over the line, but everyone who watched was really happy and really appreciated it."

Born near Galle in south-west Sri Lanka, Athukorala played six seasons of first-class cricket before arriving in Melbourne in 2011.

He has since chalked up three years in Tasmania, including three seasons under Shamrocks teammate John Kedey with ACL in the TCL.

The left-arm quick and right-handed batsman was set to coach the Bluebacks before moving to Westbury, where he has thrived with three scores of 36-plus to go with a five-wicket haul against Devonport.

"I'm really happy I've found the right place for my cricket," he said.

"The club's so welcoming to me and not just the players, even the officials, the committee members and past cricketers.

"Everyone gets along with me so I'm so glad, I have a really free mind playing cricket."

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The Invermay metal factory worker said encouragement from skipper Dan Murfet had helped him find his best form in his first season back on turf.

"After the first game I got picked to play first-grade and I was happy - because no-one knew me, only a couple of people like John," he said.

"After my first game my captain Twig said 'don't worry about your spot, no matter what you are playing all season in first grade' so that gave me so much confidence.

"That meant so much to me and every game after that I just keep hitting them alright. Once I got a chance to bowl I got five wickets and then unfortunately hurt my hamstring, but I'm looking forward to bowling [at Wynyard on Saturday]."

Athukorala lives in Launceston with his wife and six-year-old son, who has begun junior cricket but appears even more passionate about the performing arts.

"He loves dancing and singing and drama, he's not shy at all - not even in front of 100 people he hasn't even seen before."