WORCESTER's chief executive Geoff Cooke admitted he will face a tough task to raise his players for the final three National One games of the season.

The former England manager saw his side lose the crunch clash at Leeds yesterday, a defeat that practically ends hopes of promotion to the Zurich Premiership for another year.

However, Cooke knows that his troops still have to win their final league games against Orrell, Moseley and Birmingham & Solihull if they are to put any pressure on the favourites for the title.

He said: "What can you say to the lads? They know that in tight games like that that when you get opportunities you have to take them.

"It was a very hard-fought game with some huge tackles but Leeds deserved to win -- there's no doubt about that.

"We can't fault our players at all for the effort they have put in for the preparation and then on the pitch. It's just very disappointing for everyone involved.

"I think everyone will be very flat for the next couple of days, but we have got to some fun back into training and get the smiles back on the faces.

"We will focus on our final three games and make sure we show the supporters we still can play a bit."

Cooke felt sorry for the fans who travelled to Headingley in their thousands to back Worcester with some fantastic vocal support.

"The support was terrific. We've been backed by coach-loads of people and I feel very, very sorry for them. We've had high expectations this season and it looks as if we will just fall short again."

Leeds travel to Exeter on Saturday and a five-point victory will take the Tykes six points clear at the top. However, Cooke is well aware that Worcester have to recover quickly if they are to push Leeds to the final game of the season.

"What we mustn't do is let our heads go down, shrug our shoulders and say that's it. Leeds still have to win all their games and they probably will but we cannot just give it up.

"Leeds are a very good side and will be worthy champions if they win the title."