In what started out as an interrupted season due to washouts and heat-affected games in the first half of the season, after Christmas, sides were able to find their footing before Hanwood ended their long premiership drought after going on an unbeaten run of 10 games.

The GDCA presentation night will be held this Friday, and with that in mind, here is the best XI as selected by The Area News' sports journalist Liam Warren.

Tom Shannon (Hanwood)

What an impact Tom Shannon made on the Hanwood side in his first season back after returning from Melbourne. The Hanwood side had struggled to set defendable totals over the past few seasons but the partnership Shannon was able to form with Oliver Bartter was one of their keys to success on their way to the first-grade premiership.

Dean Bennett (Coro Cougars)

It was another consistent season for the Cougars young opener. Although it looked like the Cougars would lose his services after Christmas, the pandemic saw Bennett return for the later stages of the season to help the Cougars into the one-day final. Bennett also put in solid performances for Riverina in the Country Championships.

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Haydn Pascoe (Coro Cougars)

Another who performed well on the biggest stage for Riverina and helped them into their first Country Championship final in many years. Pascoe once again showed his ability with the bat scoring five fifties, four of which were scored in succession and finished second in the run-scoring for the competition. Pascoe also led his side into the Twenty20 and one-day finals.

Trevor Richards (Exies Diggers)

Age is proving to be no deterrent for Richards, who once again led the run-scoring for the competition for the third time in four seasons. Richards scored two hundreds and four fifties and was a significant factor in the Diggers side reaching the preliminary final. Richards finished 81 runs ahead of second-placed Pascoe in the GDCA run scoring.

Jimmy Binks (Leagues Panthers) - Captain

In his first full season as captain of the Panthers, Binks was able to lead the side from wooden spooners to minor premiers and into the first-grade grand final, where they eventually fell to Hanwood. Binks impact on the side is clear to see as heading into finals, the only game they lost after Christmas, Binks was unavailable for. He is a great leader on the field and can contribute with both the bat and ball.

Talwinder 'Prince' Singh (Hanwood) - Wicket Keeper

Another handy addition to Hanwood, who played a vital role in securing the premiership. His partnership with Shannon in the grand final was the determining factor in the game as he went on to score an unbeaten 79 and finished fourth in the run-scoring this season, as well as taking the most catches behind the stumps, just edging out Leagues' Reece Matheson.

Luke Docherty (Hanwood)

His return to his childhood club worked out well for both parties. Docherty has had a great first season back in Griffith after his return from Sydney First Grade and has been picked in the Riverina and Country Blues sides this season. His top of the order wickets was crucial for Hanwood's success and also added some vital runs in the middle order.

Noah Gaske (Leagues Panthers)

The young leg spinner had a breakout season in first grade this year. Coming into the season as the first-choice spinner for the Panthers, he has grown into the role and finished the season with 15 wickets which included two five-wicket hauls. He will definitely be one of the contenders for the Spence Trophy for the best player under 17.

Duane Ashcroft (Exies Eagles)

In what was a tough season for the Eagles, in which they only picked up one victory, Ashcroft was a shining light from the season and finished with the second most wickets in the first-grade competition. Ashcroft also stepped up to captain the side after Tom Spry was unable to play after the second round of the season due to an ankle injury.

Alex Flood (Coro Cougars)

An easy choice when looking for someone to be damaging with the new ball. Flood finished with the most wickets this season with 24 dismissals. It is the second season in a row Flood has finished with the most wickets, and when he is at the peak of his powers, there are few quicker than Flood currently playing in Griffith.

Josh Carn (Hanwood)

The left arm was a crucial component of the Hanwood bowling attack this season. The partnership he was able to form with Docherty with the new ball helped Hanwood be able to get into a position to take out the premiership with the pair taking seven of the 10 wickets in the final, Carn chipping in with three. Carn was one of the most economical bowlers this season and finished with 16 wickets for the year.

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