ASTON Rowant celebrated an historic achievement as they won the Home Counties Premier League for the first time.

The village side beat title rivals High Wycombe to top Division One on a dramatic final day, when Banbury were also breathing down their neck.

Tristan Rossouw spectacularly caught George Russell off Max Mannering’s bowling to seal a 25-run victory for the hosts, who become only the seventh club to win the top tier in its 23-year history.

“It’s a big achievement for the club and something we’re really proud of,” said captain Karl Penhale.

“It’s scary to think what it can do for us.

“Aston Rowant only has a population of a few hundred people so the fact that we’re competing, let alone winning the league is huge.

“It’ll hopefully get our name out there and enhance the reputation of the club.”

Penhale felt the signings of Thame Town trio Olliver Ebsworth-Burland, Will Sutcliffe and Callum Russell were crucial, as well as recruiting overseas player Benjamin Le Bas.

But everyone contributed to an excellent season that saw Rowant finish 11 points above Banbury, who ended with a 23-run win over Finchampstead.

Rowant were put into bat and managed 228/6, Russell scoring 52*, with High Wycombe bowled out for 203 in reply.

Vice-captain Mannering starred with 7/39, but Penhale pointed to a collective triumph.

“If there was anything that epitomised the season, it was that,” he said.

“We had a couple of standout performances over the season, but everyone performed on different days.

“Everyone turned up to the party and it was definitely a team effort.

“When we got that final wicket the place exploded.

“People were on the pitch and the celebrations carried on into the night.”