ED Phillips says it would be “massive” for Banbury to end a 16-year-wait to be crowned county champions.

The Midlands 2 West (South) leaders take on Henley Bulls at Iffley Road tonight (8) in the Oxfordshire Cup final.

Banbury, who overcame Oxford Harlequins in the last four, last won the competition in 2000 when they beat Chinnor.

And captain Phillips is under no illusions about the importance of returning to Bodicote Park with the trophy.

He said: “It would be pretty massive.

“For all the older guys, the Oxfordshire Cup was the only competition they played before the league so it definitely means a lot to them.

“That has fielded down to the players.”

Banbury will be without centre Matt Goode who broke his arm during Saturday’s victory over Malvern.

However, Phillips is determined to make amends after losing in the final against Quins two years ago.

Phillips added: “There is still quite a few guys left to right those wrongs.”

Bulls, Henley Hawks’s second string, who play in Division 1 of the Zoo Sports Shield, beat Witney to reach the final.

Head coach Andrew Jones believes winning the county cup would boost the club with the first XV on the brink of relegation from National League 1.

“We have got a little chance of silverware and we are all excited,” said Jones.

“We are hoping the players can put on a performance that can add a little bit of a spark to the place in what has been a disappointing season.”

Dyneal Fessal is unable to play for Bulls due to concussion.

TONIGHT’S SQUADS

Banbury: Joe Mills, Grieve, Walsh, Manley, Deegan, Stoop, Phillips (capt), Paniagua, Isham, Key, Burge, Brock, Jacob Mills, Bannister, Brand. Reps: Dymond, S Nutt, Page, Boyle, Daniels.

Henley Bulls: Govier, M Nutt, Flynn (capt), Davies, Bailey, Bradford, Taylor, Jackson, Church, Primett, Scaife, Grant, Nixon, White, Bartlett. Reps: Beckett, MacCarthy, Scott, Wiggins, Lewis.