The dinner brought together members of the Country Championship-winning side, as well as a number of dignitaries involved in the administration of the game throughout the region.

Yeoval-born fast bowler Chris Tremain, now plying his trade in Victoria, was the special guest for the evening and no doubt he enjoyed hearing the tales of Western's against-all-odds march to the title.

Last season was the second time in three years that Western Zone had been crowned as country champions, and their title came after a dominant path through their pool and also the final.

Led by Pat Rosser in their pool matches, Western were far too good for Riverina, Southern and Illawarra.

In their first match it was Dubbo quick Tim Cox (3-18) that led the way as Riverina were skittled for 101, before Parkes' Anthony Heraghty and Cowra's Michael Curtale ensured the match was won in quick time.

The second match was vastly different, with Western batting first and making 7-293, led in large part by Jordan Moran's courageous knock of 84, made just days after his good friend Phillip Hughes died.

In reply Southern could must just 159.

Progression to the final hinged on the third and final match against Illawarra, and while Moran (69) was again among the runs it was Mitch Bower's knock of 122 that set the platform for Western's win.

The team made 5-291 before rolling Illawarra for 199, setting up a clash against Newcastle in the decider.

Played at Wade Park, the match pitted the two best teams in country NSW against each other and the match couldn't have panned out any better.

Batting first Newcastle made 6-274 before Moran and Heraghty combined to guide Western, who by this stage were being captained by Bower, to victory.

The pair put on 180 for the opening stand before Heraghty (98) was dismissed but Moran (102no) carried his bat as they reached their target for the loss of just four wickets.