Director of Rugby Mike Ruddock and skipper Pat Sanderson insisted Worcester Warriors were a team on the up despite defeat in the European Challenge Cup final to Bath.
Warriors just came up short on the day despite a try from Thinus Delport, on his final appearance in gold and blue, and the boot of Shane Drahm.
Much of the post-match reaction was focussed on the performance of French referee Berdos but both Ruddock and Sanderson refused to blame the officials and instead looked to the future at Sixways Stadium.
“We might have got a better rub of the green, but you cannot take anything away from Bath,” said Sanderson.
“We have got to manage the referee as well, which is something we must learn. Ultimately though, we came up short.
“But I believe Worcester is an exciting place to be, and I am excited about what is going to happen next season. This is a team that really wants to do well.”
Ruddock said he was satisfied with his first season in the Worcester hotseat and admitted his side would only get better for the cup final experience.
“There is a lot of emotion in a cup final and there are a number of talking points, but Bath were more streetwise than us,” said Ruddock.
“We have got to be proud of our achievement after a difficult start to the season.
“We have made a lot of progress this season, but we weren’t quite there today under the pressures of a final.”