As the festive period gets underway, St Jacques Vikings have a chance to bag themselves a big early present by securing a win at Sandown & Shanklin this weekend.

This blockbuster fixture sees first placed Vikings play second in Counties II Hampshire, with Ray Smart’s side making the trip to the Isle of Wight. This will be no easy task as they face a side that is formidable at home, having lost only twice at home last season, and are undefeated on IOW soil this season.

Last weekend’s victory over United Services Portsmouth puts St Jacques into a good position, but there are several players who were involved in that win who are not available this week.

Tom Creed scored on his 50th appearance last week, but he sits this game out due to other commitments. His regular second-row partner Jacob Smith is also unavailable this week, meaning his brother Mitchell moves into the engine room. He joins up with last week’s debutant Angus MacCallum.

One big name to return is Taylor Quate. He has been consistently one of the Vikings’ biggest threats in recent seasons, but has missed the past five games. He comes back into the centres partnering with Joe Le Roux.

Darrin Bellingham once again proved his worth last week with two tries, he continues for the black and yellows in the front row. James Mroch returns to join him, along with Tom Bray who play for Guernsey Raiders last week.

The dynamic young prospect Jack Webber returns to the side in the back-row, whilst Chris Croft and Barnaby Paul continue from last week.

The strength of the Vikings set-piece has laid the foundation for much of their success so far this season, this week they are likely to be tested in that department by Sandown & Shanklin.

Lucas Barker will move to scrum-half this week, whilst Gearoid Lee has been called up to the Guernsey Raiders side. He is replaced by captain Matt Lomas, who returns to fullback.

Last week’s man of the match Will Forbes-Lee gets another chance to impress, with Ed Duerden also continuing on the wing.

This is likely going to be the toughest assignments faced by Smart’s Vikings, but recent experience has shown they often rise to the challenge when it really matters.

Kick-off is 2pm in the Isle of Wight.