Saracens coach Andy Farrell has praised his teenage son Owen for his pivotal role in the 26-14 victory over Harlequins
That's my boy! says Sarries boss
Saracens coach Andy Farrell has praised his teenage son Owen after he played a pivotal role in Sunday's 26-14 win over Harlequins.
The 19-year-old fly-half produced a man-of-the-match display, kicking four penalties and two conversions at Vicarage Road.
David Strettle and Schalk Brits both crossed for the home side, who have now moved up to third in the Aviva Premiership table.
"I have been watching him and analysing him all of his life," said Farrell Sr. "So he knows I will be an objective critic.
"But he played a very fine game out there, and I'm very chuffed he was made man of the match.
"Circumstances have meant that we have put a number of the academy boys into the first XV recently, and they have all done well in my opinion.
"They make mistakes, of course they do. But they learn from them, as we all did as players.
"It was particularly good to see Owen kicking so well tactically, taking his time and making his decisions calmly.
Delighted
"The best fly-halves play as if they are wearing dinner suits, that is when they are controlling things and looking settled.
"We worked hard for that win and deserved it. Now it about switching our focus to the Heineken Cup and the visit of Racing Metro to Vicarage Road next weekend.
"We have work to do in that competition, but this result puts us back in the area we want to be in, the top four."
Saracens head coach Mark McCall added: "Owen controlled the game with maturity beyond his years.
"He can play centre or fly-half with equal authority, and we are delighted, both with the win, and with his performance."
The clash had particular significance for England winger Strettle who crossed for his first his first Premiership try of the season during an impressive performance against his old club.
"It feels very special for me, to score that try against old mates," he said. "But more importantly, it is a big win for us heading into a tough end-of-year programme.
"I had good times at Quins, but I came to Saracens to join something special, and have not been disappointed.
"We have produced a number of decent performances this season without always getting the results we deserve so to achieve that today against a very positive Quins side is hugely satisfying."
Disappointed
Harlequins director of rugby Conor O'Shea said his side was bitterly disappointed after arriving at Vicarage Road confident of ending their jinx away from home.
The London club have recorded one draw and 10 defeats in 12 months without a win on their travels in the Premiership.
"We came here with so many high hopes," he said. "Yet we did not fire a bullet. It is very disappointing, especially after making so promising a start.
"We need to be more ruthless in terms of taking our chances and in protecting our possession.
"We have a splendid record at Twickenham Stoop, and there is no reason why we should not be more successful on the road."
