Match Preview

The Vikings are aiming to slay the Dragons again this weekend, as Ray Smart’s side face a must-win contest against second-placed Basingstoke.

As the Counties Two Hampshire campaign draws towards the business end of the season, both teams will be looking to secure a vital win to boost their promotion hopes.

Whilst the Vikings sit one place beneath the hosts this week, they have several games in hand over Basingstoke and a win for the Sarnian side would likely set up a showdown game with the league leaders Sandown & Shanklin at Footes Lane in a few week's time.

Earlier in the season at Les Ozouets it was St Jacques who prevailed in awful conditions against the Dragons, winning a close contest 24-15. This week’s instalment at Down Grange is likely to be a tough encounter between the sides, as club captain Matt Lomas explained:

“We know that Basingstoke are a very good side, that’s why they are second in the league. But we are well up for it this weekend and are looking forward to the game.”

“We’ve had a good week at training to prepare for the game, the skills and accuracy were on point, and we know how we want to play against them this week.” He added

The Vikings welcome back several key players for the contest, including scrum-half Dale Rutledge. Lomas explained his importance to the side.

“Having Dale (Rutledge) back is massive, he controls the game and the tempo for us, and is a huge boost. He’s been with the Raiders most of the season but it’s great to have him with us this weekend.”

Unsurprisingly Smart has named his strongest available side for the match, which also includes returns for Darrin Bellingham, Tom Rihoy, Will Creber, Will Forbes-Lee and Gearoid Lee to the XV. Amongst the replacements Phil Le Noury also returns from an injury lay-off that has kept him out for several months.

Darrin Bellingham starts in the front-row with Tom Bray and JP Phelan, whilst Tom Creed and Jacob Smith once again pair up in the second-row.

The return of Tom Rihoy is another big addition on the flank, and hat-trick debutant against Winchester Dan De Kock moves from hooker to join him. Mitchell Smith starts at no 8, and will captain the side from the off, with Lomas amongst the replacements.

Tom Veillard will steer the Vikings ship at flyhalf, partnering with Dale Rutledge to run the attack for the side.

In the centre’s Will Creber and Joe Le Roux join forces, whilst in the outside backs Will Forbes-Lee offers a strong attacking threat on the wing. Kieran Creber joins him, and second playmaker Gearoid Lee starts at fullback.

Amongst the replacements, powerful hooker Phil Le Noury returns, whilst big second-row Keiran Williamson is also back in the side. Club captain Matt Lomas provides the backs cover.

The match kicks-off at 2pm in Basingstoke, this will be an interesting contest, as both teams need to secure the win to keep their promotion hopes alive.

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Let's go Vikings!