The best way to judge a player is by being out there in the middle with him and I've had a pretty good first hand look at all these players over the summer, mainly when they're hitting the ball back over my head or rattling my stumps, so I've decided to put together my team of the season.

While some people were automatic selections, other positions required a lot more thought and some local cricketers can feel hard done by not to make it.

I've avoided mentioning too many statistics so not to spoil who the leading run scorers and wicket-takers are before the end of the season but this side definitely showcases some of the outstanding talents we have in our local competition.

To add a bit more interest to this team, the Daily Liberal is running an online poll to find out who you think should be named in the side. Head to our website and vote from the nominees and let us know if you agree with the selections.

Whitney Cup Team of the Season

1. Mitch Bower (Rugby)

An easy choice at the top of the order. While the runs may have cooled off late in the season, Bower has had an outstanding 2013-14. His aggression at the top of the order has been vital for his side and in a team stacked with batting talent it's a hugely impressive effort to stand out like he has. The highlight of his season was an unbeaten 129 in a 208-run opening partnership with Ryan Medley in the win over Macquarie.

2. Wayne Dunlop (Newtown)

The thought of Dunlop and Bower opening the innings is a pretty intimidating one. Dunlop is one of the toughest batsman in the competition who values his wicket like few others. A patient run maker who is also capable of the big shots, Dunlop was the key for the Tigers this season, especially once Tetaan Henning departed. One of the leading run-scorers this season, Dunlop was another easy choice and in a consistent season his top score was back in round two when he made 104 v Souths.

3. Steve Knight (Macquarie)

Knight has been a quiet performer for Macquarie this season in a side of big personalities and big talents. The Mudgee all-rounder's selection may surprise a few but he's scored close to 400 runs for the season and has taken more than 20 wickets. Knight's top score of 99 not out and best figures of 5-92 sees him go very close to achieving the rare feat of a century and a five-wicket haul in the one season, something only one person achieved this season.

4. Jordan Moran (Rugby) (c) (wk)

It's hard to imagine a season of close to 400 runs with one century and average of close to 40 as disappointing but that may be the case for Jordan Moran. Despite an outstanding McDonald's Megahit campaign, one of the most exciting batsman in the Western Zone had a mixed season with the bat in the Whitney Cup but his performances are still good enough to see him make this side. A great season behind the stumps sees him also named as keeper while he also gets the nod as captain. Moran is one of the best tactical captains in the competition. It may be easy with such a talented line-up but Moran keeps his players on their toes and is constantly making changes in the field for different batsman and his battle of wits with Jason Green in this weekend's final will be great to watch.

5. Jason Green (Macquarie)

The most obvious selection in the side. Five centuries scored in different circumstances and just an outstanding season for the immensely talented veteran. He led from the front this season and his decision to move himself down the order to shore up his side's batting was a masterstroke. Green's well known aggression has been seen with his batting but he's also shown he can tough it and take his time. An amazing season that was well rewarded with a maiden grand final appearance.

6. Dan Medway (Macquarie)

Medway just edges out Steve Skinner for the other slow-bowling all-rounder's spot. Medway has proved valuable back up to Green in the Macquarie side this season, both with the bat and as a team leader who stood up when his side needed him. His 99 against Colts in the final round helped book his side a spot in the finals while he has also been a regular wicket-taker, with 12 wickets to his name and the best bowling figures of 4-19.

7. Tim Berry (Souths)

Arguably the best all-rounder in Dubbo and one of the best bowlers going around, it's scary to think what Berry could achieve if he had just a bit more depth in his Souths side. A good captain as well, Berry is one of the leading wicket-takers this season while he was also one of the most consistent batsman in the competition, with close to 400 runs and a highest score of 66 testament to that. One player in the competition who every side fears Berry is a dangerous player in every format of the game and fully deserves a spot in this side.

8. Chris Morton (RSL-Colts)

It's a scary thought of having a team where Chris Morton bats at eight. The swashbuckling all-rounder has played some of the most exciting and entertaining innings of the Whitney Cup this season, highlighted by his 101 not out against CYMS where he hit 11 boundaries and four sixes. He also hit a 92 and an 89 while he is the only player this season to make a century and take a five-wicket haul after ripping through Newtown in January on his way to taking 6-21.

9. Ben Patterson (Rugby)

The young tearaway has proved to be a valuable addition to the Rugby squad as he looks to lead the to a Whitney Cup title. Patterson, the quickest bowler in the competition, is one of the leading wicket-takers this season and his new ball partnership with Ben Taylor is comfortably the best in the Whitney Cup. Also a handy lower order batsman, Patterson has developed again this season and the future looks bright for the 18-year-old speedster.

10. Ben Taylor (Rugby)

While the left-arm quick has been the perfect partner for Patterson this season, 'Turbo' has had an outstanding season that included a five wicket haul against Newtown. Always leading from the front Taylor has achieved the pretty impressive feat of taking at least one wicket in every single Whitney Cup match this season and will be a key player in this weekend's grand final.

11. Tim Cox (RSL-Colts)

There's not much left to say about Tim Cox. Everyone knows that their going to get when he bowls and is one of the most respected seamers in country NSW. While he can sometimes be a polarising figure in Dubbo cricket, Cox has had another stellar season with well over 30 wickets. With best figures of 5-30 Cox has been one of the most economic bowlers in the competition in a season hampered by injuries. Another to take a wicket in every match, there were only two innings all season in which the Dubbo skipper didn't take a wicket and there's no doubt he'll be at the forefront of Colts next season as they look to return to the grand final.

There's a few honourable mentions I'd like to name too. These players just missed out on selection and all had outstanding seasons in their own regard. Steve and Mat Skinner again led form the front for Newtown with both contributing with bat and ball. Steve is probably the most unlucky not to make this side after being one of the competition's leading wicket-takers but he may not have had the season he'd like with the bat but would be 12th man in this side.

Mat, meanwhile, is inside the top ten run scorers and wicket-takers but his season was hampered by a thumb injury late in the season that he did well to bowl with.

James O'Brien is one of the most talented players to watch in the Whitney Cup and while he was probably the representative player of the year his injuries see him miss out in my side here. Close to 400 runs and 10 wickets is still an incredible season and he is another who just missed out.

Souths all-rounders Mat Finlay and Adam Carr also impressed throughout the year in a team which struggled for consistency. Finlay again proved his class while Carr had a break out year with close to 20 wickets, a five wicket haul and well over 150 runs.

Paul Hulthen and Asher Robins were other quality opening batsmen while Adrian Carey's leg spin brought about 25 wickets for his side.

Wes Giddings was another consistent performer with Colts with bat and ball while in a season to forget for CYMS Cougars, Ben O'Donnell and Matt Ellis both had strong all-round performances.