With Horsham Cricket Association finals getting underway on Saturday, Mail-Times sports journalist Nick Duxson selects his team of the season from the standout A Grade performers of 2013-14.
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Sandy Hodge, Homers
13 matches 448 runs at an average of 56, one century
The Pigeons opening batsman has enjoyed another stellar season, highlighted by an unbeaten century against Laharum and 99 against Horsham Saints. Hodge also represented Victoria again at the Imparja Cup this year.
Ben Sawyer, Horsham Saints
13 matches 451 runs at 34.7, one century,
17 wickets at 18.4, one five-wicket haul
Sawyer enjoyed a breakout A Grade season, wrapping it up with an entertaining century against Blackheath-Dimboola. Every time he has passed 20 this season he's made 50 or more and he has also chipped in with the ball with his medium pacers.
Adam Carter, Rup-Minyip
10 matches 451 runs at 64.4, two centuries
The experienced Blue Panthers first-drop started the season in a blaze of glory, with two tons and two fifties in his first four innings. Carter has batted just eight times for the season, but will be a key player if the Blue Panthers are to contest for the premiership.
Lachlan Watts, Blackheath-Dimboola
13 matches 573 runs at 71.6, one century
Watts's efforts in the Bulls' top four this year have been pivotal to the side climbing up the ladder and playing finals. The right-hander scored single figures just once in 12 innings and produced his maiden senior ton against Jung Tigers.
Lachlan Jones, Homers
13 matches 548 runs at 54.8, one century
The Pigeons skipper has again enjoyed a successful year with bat in hand and led his team to the minor premiership. Jones started the year with a century in his first hit, before passing 40 on seven other occasions.
Chris Hopper, Homers
14 matches 416 runs at 52, two centuries,
21 wickets at 11.5, one five-wicket haul
Hopper has been equally damaging with bat and ball this season, playing a major role in the Pigeons' undefeated regular season. The all-rounder hit back-to-back centuries in rounds 12 and 13 and has frequently contributed wickets with his left arm spin.
Oliver Young, Blackheath-Dimboola
11 matches 332 runs at 47.4, one century,
14 wickets at 12.4
Young has been another of the Bulls' key contributors this year, proving a match-winner with bat and ball. The right-hander scored a century against Colts in December, and has taken wickets on seven of eight occasions when he's bowled.
Josh Colbert, Noradjuha-Toolondo
13 matches 293 runs at 29.3, 21 wickets at 14.6, one five-wicket haul
The Bullants can thank an in-form Colbert for helping them snare a finals berth. The middle-order batsman and opening bowler has fired this season especially after Christmas, when he has scored a half-century or claimed four or five wickets in all five matches.
Simon Hopper, Homers
14 matches 273 runs at 39, 32 wickets at 11.2
The Pigeons off-spinner has been the competition's leading slow bowler this season. Hopper has gone wicketless on just two occasions, claiming three or more wickets in eight separate innings. Has also passed 30 with the bat six times.
Thilan Kariyawasam, Horsham Saints
13 matches 271 runs at 20.8, 26 wickets at 17.2, two five-wicket hauls
Kariyawasam enjoyed a successful year with ball in hand, claiming two five-wicket hauls and going without a wicket just once. The Saints opening bowler also proved handy with the bat, batting in the top and middle order, scoring two half-centuries.
Siphe Mzaidume, Homers
14 matches 39 wickets at 14.9, one five-wicket haul
The Pigeons' South African import has had a stellar year with the ball, claiming 39 wickets in total. Mzaidume's season haul includes a hat-trick against Horsham Saints, while the opening bowler has claimed multiple wickets in 13 innings.
Ben Peucker, Laharum 12th man
12 matches 426 runs at 42.6
Peucker was the Mountain Men's standout performer this year, consistently putting runs on the board in the middle order. The left-hander scored five half-centuries in total and scored single figures on just three occasions.