Worcester Valkyries Director of Rugby Donna Kennedy admits she’s ‘optimistic’ about the new year as her side prepare for some crucial encounters in the Women’s Premiership.
Valkyries sit in fifth place in the table, six points behind Saracens Women in the final play-off spot, who defeated them at Sixways 22-15 in the last game of 2016.
But Kennedy believes her side are more than capable of turning things round.
She said: “We always remain optimistic. We have every chance of making the play-offs.
“The Women’s Premiership is wide open and we still believe we can achieve our target of reaching the play-offs.”
Kennedy watched her side dominate their most recent clash with Saracens but they lacked a clinical edge to see off their opponents, being forced to settle for a losing-bonus point.
And the boss revealed she was frustrated they couldn’t get over the whitewash more.
She continued: “It was very frustrating. We had a lot of possession and territory but we just couldn’t convert it.
“We got into their 22 on several occasions and seemed to be doing a lot of work but not actually getting over the line.
“It comes down to poor decision making and our execution of the chances we had, and not to take those chances was frustrating.”
Valkyries gear up for a long trip to Darlington Mowden Park Sharks on Sunday 8 January before hosting Wasps Ladies on Saturday 14 January at Sixways (kick-off 2pm).
And former Scotland international Kennedy knows they must improve on their Saracens display if they are to return to winning ways.
She added: “Fair play to Saracens. Their defence was outstanding but we made mistakes and it allowed them to capitalise and a side of their quality did just that.
“We need to be making better decisions. At one point they were down a player with a yellow card and we should have picked our heads up and looked around at the space.
“We have to improve and bounce back against Darlington.”