They may not have reached the Singha Premiership Rugby 7s final next week, but Saracens’ starlet Ben Earl insists the side’s performance at the Ricoh Arena on Friday was one to be proud of.

Sarries, led by Academy manager Don Barrell, missed out on a final spot after finishing third in Group C by just one point, with Wasps and Harlequins the teams above them.

The side bounced back from an opening 31-12 defeat to Northampton Saints by beating Quins 24-17, but were not able to get the victory they needed in their last encounter with Wasps to ensure their passage through to the showcase final at Twickenham Stoop.

Saracens were so successful on all fronts last season, having picked up the Aviva A League, Under-18, and LV= Cup titles as well as the Aviva Premiership Rugby trophy, and will be disappointed to fall at the first hurdle.

But Earl, a former England under-16 international, believes the side gave a strong account of themselves against high-class opposition.

“I thought we did alright actually. The boys fronted up really well,” he said.

“I thought in the first game if we are being honest with ourselves we were pretty weak, but as the tournament went on I though we improved and improved.

“Tom Whiteley was excellent. We all know how talented he is anyway, but it’s good to see him playing so well.

“Dom Morris was fantastic as well. He out-gassed Christian Wade at one point which is always nice to see, so while I thought everyone was pretty spectacular, those two especially stood out.

“This is the first time I’ve ever played in this kind of stadium and I thought the atmosphere was absolutely unbelievable.

“Everyone was really buzzing off it and I just want to experience more of the same really in future. “As a young player that kind of experience on the pitch is always going to help, and I’d just like to push on now and hopefully put my hand up for selection again at some point this coming season.”

Wasps were the overall winners on the night, having fielded a very strong side including the likes of internationals Christian Wade - who ran in seven tries - and Elliot Daly.

And Earle admitted the opportunity to line up against players who have proven they can cut the mustard at the highest level is one all the Sarries youngsters relish.

He said: “It’s fantastic to get the chance to come here and compare yourself to those international stars. “They are very special talents and show you how far you still have to go, but it’s still nice to see where you are in relation to them.

“It definitely spurs you to get better as you want to be at that level. That’s always the aim, to be playing with those guys, and it is really encouraging to see so many of us are competitive with them.”

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