ANDY FARRELL saluted Hertfordshire after watching his son Owen help the county to glory in the RSA National Youth Rugby Festival at Rugby School.

The rugby league legend, now with Saracens, looked on as Farrell Junior converted his own try as Herts Under-15s toppled neighbours Essex 24-17 in the Cup final. Farrell, who watches all of Owen’s games, said: “They’ve done really well over the two days. It’s a fantastic tournament and for the organisers to get all the counties here is a great achievement. The lads have really enjoyed it. The more they play at this age the more they get. The good thing about this tournament is that they play against teams they wouldn’t normally do. I’m sure some of them will come across each other playing for England age group teams in the future.”

Saracens Academy inside centre Owen, who plays for Harpenden Rugby Club and attends St George’s School in the town, said: “We came up against some good sides today especially Essex in the final and it’s great to win. It’s good to have my dad here – he comes to all the games and gives me some tips.”

Herts coach Dave Hesketh said: “The boys have been very committed and we have a strong squad even though we only have 18 clubs to draw from. Some of the rugby they have played has been absolutely superb.”

Essex were 12-0 up thanks to tries from Nick Fraser but Farrell and winger Jamie Hearn pulled them back before replacements Victor Stairmond and Jake Bates took Herts clear. Sam Sutcliffe pulled a try back for Essex but it wasn’t enough for them to collect winner’s medals from their most famous Barking boy Jason Leonard OBE.

Essex 17 Hertfordshire 24

Eastern Counties 12 Surrey 19

Leicestershire 7 Yorkshire 14

Middlesex 12 Lancashire 17

Essex 12 Eastern Counties 0

Hertfordshire 12 Surrey 5

Leicestershire 15 Middlesex 14

Yorkshire 10 Lancashire 0

Cup quarter-finals: Leicestershire 7 Essex 19, Middlesex 10 Eastern Counties 15, Hertfordshire 12 Yorkshire 10, Surrey 19 Lancashire 0