It was far from a vintage performance from the Guernsey side, but the resolve shown to find a way to win was inspiring, and shows the brilliant spirit amongst Ray Smart’s side.

St Jacques were behind inside the opening 10 minutes, after Millbrook took advantage of some poor Vikings defending to open their account. They successfully converted the score.

The Vikings narrowed the gap with a Matt Lomas penalty, as we sought to get back in control of the game.

Lomas then scored the Vikings first try, after an impressive break by Mitch Smith, who raced down the left wing, before setting up the captain to run in. Lomas then added the conversion to put the Vikings into the lead.

Before half-time Millbrook scored again with a brilliant set move that took them into the break winning 14-10.

The second half started no better for the black and yellows, as Millbrook further extended their lead with another converted score.

The Vikings were hunting for a score to get back in the game. That then came through Joe Le Roux who finished off a great move following a strong scrum. He saw off several defenders before running in to get the Sarnians back in the game.

As the weather turned sour both sides were battling to find the next score. Vikings were working very hard but a series of mistakes were costing them.

Millbrook were dogged opponents, and their solid defence was causing a number of problems for St Jacques. They tested Smart’s side like no other has this season.

One area of the Vikings game that was dominant was the maul, as we sought to drive Millbrook back over their line. This eventually proved integral, as after a lineout in the Millbrook 22 we marched them back towards their line, before the maul was illegally pulled down. The referee awarded a penalty try that got the Vikings back in front for the first time since the first half.

Millbrook worked hard in search of a match winning score, but the Vikings defence stood firm to secure the win.

This was a huge test for the club, but one thankfully we passed…. Just!