Bristol Bears are “running out of games” to finish in the top four of the Premiership Women’s Rugby says head coach Dave Ward.
The Bears were beaten 40-17 by neighbours Gloucester-Hartpury on Sunday and remain fifth in the table, seven points behind Saracens in fourth although with a game in hand.
They travel to third-placed Exeter Chiefs on Sunday in their first of five games to end the regular season.
“We’re running out of games and we got zero points in that game [against Gloucester-Hartpury],” Ward told BBC Radio Bristol.
“All of a sudden we’re becoming a bit more detached now. I think from that perspective if we lose at Sandy Park we’re in real trouble. I’m not saying top four is out of the question but we’re going to be up against it.
“That Exeter game becomes really important.”
The Bears have twice been semi-finalists, and reached the Premiership final for the first time in their history last June but were beaten by Gloucester-Hartpury to the title.
After Exeter they play Leicester, Trailfinders and Loughborough, before a trip to league leaders Harlequins for their final game of the regular season on 14 February.
