New opposition is sometimes a difficult proposition, but the Guernsey side adapted well to the challenge of Chichester, who were notably stronger defensively than many sides last season.

The return of Taylor Quate and Chris Croft was successful as both players shone for the black-and-yellows, with Quate also getting on the scoresheet and securing the man of the match award. They both came through the match unscathed, a huge positive as they build form and confidence.

Ivan Donaldson was the first try-scorer of the afternoon, after Tom Veillard had broken the deadlock from the tee after 10 mins. He powerfully finished off a break from the back of a scrum that was spun wide and he forced his way over.

The lead was extended on 34 mins by Tom Bray, who ran a superb support line off Gearoid Lee to use his big frame to drive over the line.

Chichester had not truly threatened the Vikings by this point, handling errors proving costly as they struggled to maintain the ball for prolonged periods. The visitors defensive efforts were also effective, a no doubt pleasing fact for Smart and his coaching team as they operated with high tackle completion.

Veillard added another penalty before the half-time break, to leave the Vikings twenty points to the good.

The second half started quickly for the Vikings, with Keiran Williamson scoring inside a few minutes, before Quate jumped in on the act too, as the one-way traffic continued.

Young former Academy prop Henry Whittaker made his debut off the bench, before spending 10 mins in the sin bin for a high tackle. The first Vikings player to sit in the bin this season, but likely not to be the last to fall foul of the new tackle laws this season.

Jacob Smith was proving to be as effective as ever, the big forward was a handful for the Chichester defenders, and it was no surprise to see him force his way over for a try.

The home side had to wait 60 minutes to have a meaningful scoring opportunity, and they took it with aplomb after a lapse in the Vikings defensive efforts.

Gearoid Lee restored the Vikings lead, before Jack Webber also scored towards the end of the game. Chichester had the last say though, as they scored a second consolation try.

This was a really good start from the Vikings, and whilst they will want to build on that, they couldn’t have asked for much more in the league opener.