TOM Ramsey was keen to remain upbeat despite Southend Saxons starting the new London & SE Premier season with a 35-25 defeat against newly-promoted Sidcup.

The 18-year-old fly-half kicked 10 points on his first senior start for Southend at Warners Bridge on Saturday.

And he believes there is much more to come from the new-look Saxons.

“I thought there were a lot of positives out there at the weekend,” said Ramsey.

“We looked sharp in some areas but there are areas that we will work on in training and do better in.

“But I can tell there is a lot of excitement within the side and the boys are looking forward to getting back out there and putting on a performance for Southend.”

Ramsey was one of eight players to feature in Southend’s starting line-up for the first time at the weekend.

And he was delighted to be given the opportunity to impress.

“It was a great feeling starting for the first team, playing in front of an amazing crowd and I hope for many more to come,” said Ramsey.

“It was an exciting game to play in too.

“Sidcup were a decent looking side that played some good rugby.

“It was tough out there but now we need to move on to next week.”

Newly-promoted Sidcup opened the scoring with a converted try before Southend hit back with a penalty from Ramsey and a try from Dan Read which was converted by Ramsey.

The youngster then added another penalty, but Sidcup replied with two tries in quick succession to lead 28-13 at half-time.

However, Southend scored first in the second half with new scrum-half Shaun Lewis touching down and Ramsey again adding the extras.

Another try from Lewis brought Saxons to within three points of the visitors but they were unable to complete the comeback as Sidcup bagged a late try to seal their victory.

And Ramsey is now hoping Southend will be able to get back on track against local rivals Westcliff this weekend.

“It is very important for us to bounce back,” said Ramsey.

“But we know it will be a tough encounter against our rivals, so we will have to play well.”

Southend: O’Brien, Griffiths, Johnson, Vaughan, Radzevicius, Ramsey, Lewis, Skidmore, Robinson, Briggs, O’Kill, Maggiolo, Newton, Read, Shields.

Replacements: Forster-Knight, Reeman & Sprangers.