WORCESTER Valkyries director of rugby Donna Kennedy is “optimistic” about the new year as her side prepare for crucial Women’s Premiership games.

Fifth-placed Valkyries are six points behind Saracens in the final play-off spot after losing 22-15 to them.

But Kennedy feels 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 Premiership is wide open and we still believe we can achieve our target of reaching the play-offs.”

Kennedy watched her side dominate against Saracens but they lacked a clinical edge and had to settle for a losing bonus point.

She said: “It was very frustrating. We had a lot of possession and territory but just could not convert it.

“We got into their 22 several times 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 visit Darlington Mowden Park Sharks on Sunday and ex-Scotland international Kennedy knows they must improve on their Saracens display.

She added: “Saracens’ defence was outstanding but we made a lot of 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.”