HEAD coach James Kerr hailed his “outstanding” players after Banbury ended a 16-year wait to be crowned county champions.

The Midlands 2 West (South) leaders beat Henley Bulls 28-5 at Iffley Road, sparking jubilant celebrations.

Banbury blew away Henley in the opening half-hour, thanks to tries from Josh Deegan and Sean Bannister, as well as 13 points from the boot of Ed Phillips.

Martin Nutt went over just after the break for Bulls, but Jimmy Manley’s try sealed victory for the north Oxfordshire side.

Kerr could not hide his delight and was full of praise for his players.

He said: “The boys were just outstanding.

“We felt it was our night and we made sure we set the tone.

“To come away with a win is amazing and it means a lot to the club.”

Three penalties from Phillips put Banbury into a 9-0 lead after 12 minutes as they punished Henley, who had Andrew Grant sin-binned, for their ill-discipline.

Banbury’s pressure finally took its toll when Deegan scorched over and Bannister crossed.

Phillips converted both scores from out wide to make it 23-0 after 30 minutes.

Henley improved and Nutt dived over for an unconverted try just after the break.

But Banbury defended manfully to prevent their opponents adding to the scoreboard and, on 60 minutes, sealed victory.

After Jack Bradshaw was sin-binned for Henley, Manley forced his way over for an unconverted score.

Winning captain Phillips said: “I can’t quite believe it.

“You could see what it meant when everyone was mobbing me with the trophy.”

Banbury prop Manu Paniagua was awarded the Ron Grimshaw Memorial Trophy for his man-of-the-match performance.

He said: “I feel a lot of pride for taking this honour.

“I have never been able to play in a final like this and I am really proud for the whole team and the coach.”