Mike Ruddock hopes that Worcester's victory over Saracens will give them a platform to climb the table before the season close.
Eyes now on European Challenge Cup for Worcester boss
Mike Ruddock hopes that Worcester's 22-8 win over Saracens will provide a platform to catapult them up the table in the closing stages of the season.
Ruddock paid tribute to his men for their 'positive attitude' and said they would now concentrate on the European Challenge Cup after securing their Guinness Premiership status next season.
"It was a good defensive display by us," he said. "We used the wind in the first half and our kicking game probably let us down then.
"Then, in the second half, we started to play a bit of rugby and it was a good try by Grovesy.
"So it was not the perfect performance but it was much better than the last two.
"It was a bit more like the defensive and positive attitude we saw against Gloucester and Wasps in the last few games we have had as well.
Ruthless
"It is quite a ruthless league and we are pleased we have picked-up the wins we needed here.
"What we have is the capability of beating those top sides and be a top side ourselves. What we haven't got is the mental toughness to do that week-in and week-out.
"Now we want to finish as high up the table and get as many points and wins as we can. What we have to do is refocus and look at the European Challenge Cup.
"We got to the final last year and now we have the opportunity against Brive, who are a very good side, to play with a little less pressure on us and go out and enjoy that.
"We can get the confidence from this game, go out and try and win that game and then get to the semi-final."
Lacklustre
Saracens assistant coach Richard Graham admitted his side had been 'poor' in what was their eighth consecutive away defeat in the Premiership.
"I think it is probably best if we put that one behind us," he said.
"We came here with high expectations from the performance last week (against Wasps) but we followed the same path as we have for the last three away games - very lacklustre.
"If I could put it down to something, we would have changed it. It is very difficult because we prepared well during the week and we just didn't see this one coming.
"We have a lot to play for which is that sixth spot in the league which is up for grabs and we have not done ourselves any justice. As competitive people, that was very poor."
