St Jacques Vikings are heading into Saturday’s match with Millbrook at Footes Lane in high spirits, following their best performances in several months last weekend against Locks Heath Pumas.

That win moved Ray Smart’s men up to second in Counties Two Hampshire, as they attempt to chase down the leaders Sandown & Shanklin. They currently sit six points behind, with a game in hand.

Matt Lomas, the Vikings captain explained how important that win was. He said: “We always knew Locks Heath were going to challenge us with their big physical runners, they caused a few problems but it was a massive win for us.”

“It gives us momentum with four massive games coming up, This week against Millbrook, and then against US Portsmouth, Basingstoke and Sandown & Shanklin as well.” He added.

Whilst the Vikings moved up to second last weekend, Millbrook succumbed to a home defeat against the league leaders, losing 24-10.

Back in October the Vikings were lucky to secure a win at Millbrook, after a lacklustre performance nearly cost them. It took a comeback effort and a late penalty try to prove just enough to win 22-21. They want to ensure they do not repeat that this weekend.

There are several changes to the St Jacques side this week, with both Charlie Simmonds and Tom Ceillam returning to the Raiders. Taylor Quate is also ruled out through injury, whilst several others are unavailable.

Dan Rice and JP Phelan have been made available to the Vikings from the Raiders this week however, and they start at flyhalf and at prop respectively.

Second row Keiran Williamson was rested last week, but he makes a return to partner with Tom Creed in the Vikings engine room. Jacob Smith moves to No 8. with Angus MacCallum and Tom Yarwood on the flanks. Mitch Smith is given a partial rest and is named amongst the replacements.

Tom Veillard starts at scrum-half this week as he partners with Rice in the half-backs. In the centres Will Creber returns from Colts duty, Ed Duerden joins him in a new look midfield.

In the outside backs, Kieran Creber has shaken off a leg injury that ruled him out last weekend, he returns on the wing.

A new name on the team-sheet is Courtney Sargent, he has recently moved to the island and gets an early chance in St Jacques colours on the wing.

Matt Lomas will lead the side from fullback, whilst Corey Wallis and Ivan Donaldson make up the replacements.

Looking ahead to the contest, Lomas said: ”The mood in camp is brilliant, everyone’s in high spirits & hopefully we can get the job done on Saturday, but it won’t be easy.”

“Earlier on in the season Millbrook were a very physical side. They tested us a lot in the forwards and their centres were strong too. I am sure they'll bring the same again, I hope they do, because we want to be playing the best rugby we can and the most challenging rugby we can.”

Kick-off is 12.30pm on the Garenne Stand pitch, with Guernsey Raiders vs Wimbledon to follow at 3pm. Come down & support both sides, it is likely to be a day of entertaining local rugby.