A PERFECT season for Oxford Saints was completed with a convincing 24-2 victory in the Southern Conference Division 2 national final against Cambridgeshire Cats.

It secured the club’s first championship for a decade and ensured they won every game in a campaign for the first time.

Promotion to Division 1 had already been guaranteed, but a 13th successive victory means they head into the close season full of confidence about stepping up to a higher level.

Saints chairman Andrew Peart said: “I feel humbled by the amount of hard work and dedication that has gone into the club – both on and off the field, in the years prior to and during my appointment.

“Reaching a championship game is not a short-term project. It takes years of work to create the right atmosphere and culture to achieve long-term, sustainable success.

“It is for these reasons that I think a great deal about those who laid the groundwork.

“It’s been a year that all of us lucky enough to be part of this organisation are enjoying and will remember for the rest of our lives.”

Saints put down a marker early on in their final, played at the John Charles Stadium in Leeds.

After good work by Destin Maulding, the quarterback found James Walter to sprint in from 14 yards to put them 6-0 ahead.

Their defensive unit were also quick to gain the upper hand and the Cats struggled to gain ground.

Even when Saints found it hard going, they were able to keep the scoreboard ticking over.

When one drive ground to a halt, Sam Fielden was on target with a 35-yard field goal to stretch the lead to 9-0.

By contrast, Cats kicker Steven Bright fired wide from similar range shortly afterwards.

It got even better for Saints before half-time.

Tony Glover’s powerful running caused problems, before Walter dashed over for his second touchdown of the final.

Head coach Andrew Day called for a two-point conversion attempt and Antonios Athanasiou ran the ball up the middle untouched for the extra score.

Trailing 17-0, Cats needed to get on the board in the third quarter and for the first time Saints’ defence began to make mistakes.

Bright missed another field goal attempt, although when Maulding was tackled in his end zone by Dean Caldbeck they gained a two-point safety.

That was as bad as it got for Saints, though.

They had the final say in the fourth quarter, when Ryan Kingshott’s touchdown started the promotion party even before Fielden added the extra point.