WORCESTER Valkyries fell 24-10 against Darlington Mowden Park Sharks at a foggy Northern Echo Arena.
The defeat hit their play-off hopes with just three games left in the 2016-17 Women’s Premiership.
Worcester went ahead when Lisa Campbell crashed over from a well-constructed scrum but Ceri Large could not convert.
Darlington started to dominate and an ill-disciplined defence gave away several penalties which led to Amy Needham scoring.
But Worcester soon added their second try after pressure with Lyndsay O’Donnell diving over from a ruck for another unconverted effort.
However, Darlington took control again and scored their second try as Brogan Church peeled off a maul to crash over untouched.
Centre Emma Harbage added a third after a quickly-taken penalty and Katy Mclean converted for a 17-10 half-time cushion.
Worcester's Rochelle Clark received a yellow card for an illegal tackle in the second half but the hosts could not take advantage.
Valkyries pushed for another score but lost possession five metres from their own try line.
Jo Brown reacted quickest to deny the visitors a losing bonus point and Mclean converted to end the game.
Fifth-placed Worcester look to bounce back when they host second-from-bottom Wasps on Saturday at Sixways (2pm).
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