Match Preview

After producing a monumental comeback last weekend to secure a one point victory, St Jacques Vikings make their first home appearance of the year on Saturday.

They welcome Locks Heath Pumas to Footes Lane, looking to produce a much stronger performance in front of their own supporters.

The Vikings have been boosted by the return of several players, and also have the welcome addition of two Guernsey Raiders players available to them this week.

One of those Raiders players is hooker Tom Ceillam, who has amassed over three hundred appearances for the club. He is available for the Vikings as he looks for game time ahead of a return to the Raiders side in the coming weeks. He will bring a huge amount of high level experience, and hopefully will make a big impact when he enters play from the replacements.

Charlie Simmonds has played several games for the Vikings previously, with his last appearance coming in the away victory over Winchester Seconds earlier in the season. The Raiders scrum-half has been injured since before Christmas, but will make a return for St Jacques this week at fly-half.

The last time the Vikings faced the Pumas it was a scrappy affair, which the Sarnian side eventually prevailed in, winning 14-19. They are hoping that this week they can produce a more clinical performance at home.

The Sarnian side also welcome back second row Tom Creed, he has missed the last two games but is back in the fold tomorrow. He is often a big player and natural leader for Ray Smart’s side, and his return is timely for this likely physical encounter against the Pumas.

Darrin Bellingham is also back having been away last weekend, he partners James Mroch and Tom Bray in the front row.

With Simmonds pulling the strings at fly-half, Tom Veillard continues at inside centre this week, partnering with Taylor Quate, who produced an excellent try scoring performance last week.

There is a new face on the teamsheet this week, as Sam Clarke makes his debut for the Vikings. He is an athletic winger who has been training with the side for the past month, and he gets his chance this week.

Ed Duerden has played several games previously, but he makes his first start for the club this week having impressed in his cameo appearances and in training. He starts on the wing, whilst Gearoid Lee is at fullback.

Matt Lomas is amongst the replacements this week, last weeks double try scorer Mitch Smith will captain the side from the start. Barney Paul and Angus MacCallum join smith in the back row.

Having not played at home since November, the Vikings will be hoping for a big performance in front of their home supporters on Saturday.

Kick-off is 1.30pm on the club pitch at Footes Lane. The game is free entry, food & drinks available during the match & the clubhouse is open with live Investec Champions Cup rugby on the big screens.