Shona Powell-Hughes insists Worcester Valkyries will come back stronger in the new year following defeat to Saracens Women at Sixways last weekend.
Valkyries dominated proceedings at Sixways but were forced to settle for a losing-bonus point as Saracens extended the gap between the two sides in the Women’s Premiership table with a 22-15 win.
Powell-Hughes believes her side will bounce back in 2017.
She said: “It’s crucial that we pick up as many points as we can when we are on top of games. We know the areas we need to improve on and we’ll put this game to bed. Ideally we should have won it but we’ll move on.
“We’ll focus over the festive period and come back a stronger side in 2017.”
The Welsh international also admits her side must be more clinical in matches after not being able to convert territory and possession into points against Saracens.
She explained: “It was disappointing not to come away with a win from that having dominated in their 22 for so long in the second-half.
“The heart and passion was there from the girls and we showed that throughout. But Saracens really brought the game to us and their defence were phenomenal.”
The number eight admits the side need to cut out mistakes if they are to turn things round in the new year, as they chase a place in the league play-offs.
She added: “Their tries came from our mistakes and we have to work on that in training by tightening up defensively and the rest will follow.”
Valkyries are next in action at Darlington Mowden Park Sharks on Sunday 8 January, before hosting Wasps Ladies on Saturday 14 January at Sixways (kick-off 2pm).
Report by Tom Branston, Worcester Valkyries
