And that's playing a grand final.

But almost a fortnight after competitions across the country were brought to a halt by the global coronavirus pandemic, the 25-year-old can take a prestigious individual honour away from the 2019-20 season.

Montgomery was revealed on Friday as the Newcastle District Cricket Association (NDCA) player of the year.

The 25-year-old Wallsend batsman ended up with 15 points for the campaign, edging out Merewether veterans Tim O'Neill and Simon Moore (13).

Montgomery scored three centuries this summer on his way to a district-high 644 runs at 92, which also earned him the Dickinson Shield for best batting average.

The right-hander follows in the footsteps of Tigers captain Nathan Price, two-time defending player of the year, as well as fellow former clubmen Rhys Soper, Brett Jackson, Steve Storey and three-time winner Greg Geise.

"I don't think I'm in the same caliber as those guys, but's it's nice to be there alongside them," the former ACT under-19 player said.

Montgomery, who played juniors with Maitland club Norths before joining Wallsend in 2011-12, said it was satisfying to claim a minor premiership with the Tigers this season.

However, being unable to contest for the major crown because of COVID-19 was both disappointing and understandable.

"I'd rather be playing a grand final this weekend," he said.

"Especially with a chance to host a grand final [with No.1 Sportsground out of action] that doesn't come around very often, but it is what it is.

"We'd been playing a good type of cricket and after losing a few before Christmas, we'd barely lost a session. I think the age most of us are, the guys will use it as motivation for next year."

Montgomery identified "one-day form" as his main improvement this season.

In lieu of Friday's cancelled grand final lunch, NDCA also announced their other first-grade awards for 2019-20 via social media.

Lions left-arm orthodox spinner O'Neill picked up the Heath Shield for best bowling average with 11.39. Belmont seamer Dan Bailey topped the wicket count on 37, four clear of O'Neill.

Charlestown wicketkeeper Matthew Bench finished with the most dismissals at 27, courtesy of 19 catches and eight stumpings.

The representative player of the year went to Stockton, Newcastle and NSW Country captain Nick Foster.

Hamwicks pair Kain Anderson and Jack Hartigan received the Warren Tenant Scholarship (colts) and Kingsgrove Youth Player (under-17) prizes respectively.

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