WORCESTER Warriors may have just missed out on a place at the Singha Premiership Rugby Sevens final on Friday at Twickenham Stoop but centre Heath Stevens insists the Aviva Premiership’s newest side did themselves proud.

The Warriors exited the competition after Saturday’s northern leg at Kingston Park on points difference, where a 40-12 defeat to hosts Newcastle Falcons in the last match of the day halted their charge towards the final.

Worcester had beaten Leicester Tigers 27-5 to put themselves in pole position to qualify from Group 'D' with Perry Humphreys scoring twice for Warriors but it was ultimately their opening clash with Sale Sharks that cost the side.

Sale’s last-minute try snatched a 19-19 draw with Sharks going through as runners-up behind Newcastle.

But Stevens, who turns 23 on Tuesday, was adamant the experience was a success for the young Worcester line-up and the powerful midfield man relished the opportunity to play in front of a packed house at Kingston Park.

“We’ve got mixed emotions after that really as obviously we didn’t win that final game, which we needed to do, but credit to that Newcastle side,” he said.

“They are a really good team and played well all day and we are a very young bunch of players so overall I think we did well.

“It’s definitely a big deal to come to this tournament. When you have thousands of people here supporting, it’s a great experience and you learn all about the pressures of top-level rugby.

“Rugby sevens is a high-pressure game anyway as any mistake is usually punished but the young boys really stepped up and did well.

“I thought we performed really well in the second-half against Leicester. We really got into our shape there and our defence was good but we just let ourselves slip a bit in that final game with Newcastle.”

Last season was a huge success story for Worcester as they were promoted into the top flight of English rugby from the Championship thanks to the narrowest of play-off victories over Bristol.

Stevens believes Saturday’s side, made up mainly of teenagers, showed Warriors belong in the big time.

He added: “It was definitely important for us to come here and get our season off to a good start.

“We had a great season last year in the Championship, which went right down to the wire, so now it was a big opportunity for us to get out early doors and prove we’re meant to be here.

“We wanted to lay the marker down for the rest of the boys so it was a good opportunity.

“The Singha Sevens is also a great chance for those looking to force their way into the mix for the rest of the season. It’s a great spotlight for anyone trying to get into the team.

“We’re now heading out to Tignes in France for more pre-season training on Tuesday. That will be more hard work for 10 days so it’s all go at the moment.”

Tickets for the Singha Premiership Rugby Sevens Series are now on sale. For full details, see premiershiprugby.com/7s.