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

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

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.

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

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

Henley improved and Nutt dived over 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.

Man-of-the-match Manu Paniagua said: “I have never been able to play in a final like this and I am really proud for the whole team and the coach.”