Match Preview

Fresh after our record breaking victory last weekend, St Jacques Vikings are back on the road this weekend, as we seek to maintain our perfect start to the season.

We visit Locks Heath Pumas, who were promoted along with the Vikings last season, so for the first time this season we know a little about our opposition.

The Pumas are a physical side, with a potent scrum and driving maul, so the Vikings must front up to the challenge.

They won their opening game before losing to Millbrook. Despite coming out on the wrong side of the result last weekend, they showcased their forwards strength.

Last season Vikings won both encounters, but did find themselves behind on several occasions in the away leg before recovering to take the win. We do not want to find ourselves in the position again this week.

Injuries and availability have forced some changes to the Vikings side, but we have been be able to call on some experienced and powerful players to counter the threat of the home side.

Darrin Bellingham returns for his first game of the season, having sat the first few weeks out. He adds an edge to a dynamic front row, that also includes Phil Le Noury and Tom Bray.

The strength within the forwards meant that Keiran Williamson was unlucky to miss out on selection last week. He is back in the side this weekend however, with Tom Creed unavailable. The young second row was a fast improving player last season, and he comes back into the side to offer an excellent physical presence and a solid lineout option.

With Dale Rutledge and Gearoid Lee both playing for Guernsey Raiders this weekend, Ray Smart has needed to reshuffle the backs. Captain Matt Lomas moves to fullback, whilst Pierre de Garis comes back into scrum-half.

Taylor Quate is also unavailable this week, but thankfully Lucas Barker returns having taken a few weeks off. He slots into centre, and partners with a new young prodigy.

Will Creber was due to make his debut last week, but his registration paperwork was not completed in time. He finally gets his chance this weekend, alongside Barker.

Joe Le Roux has moved to the wing, with the prolific Kieran Creber on the opposition wing.

This is a bigger test for Vikings, which we will hope to prevail from.

Kick-off is 1.30pm in the UK. You can follow the game live on our Instagram & Facebook stories.