When Bobby Gabriel and his mates started the Rising Stars cricket club four years ago, they had no idea it would grow into a thriving social community.
The mates, all of whom are Indian migrants living in Bunbury in the South West of Western Australia, used to play cricket together on a Sunday afternoon before joining the local cricket competition.
They fielded one team in their first season but have seen the club grow to three senior sides with juniors set to be added next year.
The club has become about more than cricket, with people from a variety of backgrounds joining to create a multicultural community within the team.
Love of the game
Mr Gabriel didn't expect the club to grow like it has.
The club's captain and founding member said the social aspect of the game was the most rewarding part.
"With our cricket, it is more like a social gathering," Mr Gabriel said.
"It is bringing many communities together and bringing more people in."
Craig Martin Fernandez has also been a part of the team since the start.
He said it was nice to have a team for members of the Bunbury Indian community.
"For us it was more than just playing cricket; it was a matter of playing with a bunch of mates," Mr Fernandez said.
"I think that's what gives us a little more passion when we play because we are playing for each other."
Team helping to build community
He said it had been nice to watch the community grow with the team.
"For us back home, cricket is a big thing; it's like a religion," Mr Fernandez said.
For newcomer Rajiv Kashyap the club has been the perfect place to embrace India's cricketing culture while expanding his social circle.
"I've got two boys and they come out and meet their kids, so it is good," he said.
"It's nice mixing with our own different cultures. I'm from north [India], the boys are from south, so it is nice."
