Match Preview

After seeing off Basingstoke last weekend, United Services Portsmouth are the next side to roll into St Peter Port looking to end St Jacques Vikings unbeaten run.

This weekends game is rearranged after it was initially postponed at the start of November due to the poor weather.

Ray Smart’s side produced a strong performance last weekend, which he will be hoping they can replicate again this weekend, against one of the strongest teams in Counties Two Hampshire.

There is a different makeup to the St Jacques side this weekend, as availability, several injuries and Guernsey Raiders player requirements have provided some extra rotation in the side. This provides an opportunity for the Vikings coaching team to get a look at few players who have not had much game time this season.

Tom Creed will make his 50th appearance for the Vikings this weekend, he starts in the second-row and likely will have a big part to play in this game.

Captain Matt Lomas is one of the players unavailable for the match, Mitch Smith will lead the side in his absence. Will Forbes-Lee replaces Lomas for his first appearance of the season, after injury struggles have kept him out since early this year.

There is also a first appearance of the season for Jamie Mahy in the back-row, where he partners with Chris Croft and captain Smith.

With James Mroch and Phil Le Noury both unavailable, Barnaby Paul starts at hooker. Corey Wallis also returns from illness to partner with Darrin Bellingham in the front row.

Partnering with the half centurion Creed this week is a brand new player. Angus MacCullum has recently joined the club and makes his debut this weekend.

With Dale Rutledge amongst the Raiders squad this week, Pierre de Garis returns to the side having produced several good performances this season. He will partner with the ever present Tom Veillard.

Ed Duerden makes his first start for the club on the wing this week, whilst Lucas Barker and Joe Le Roux make up the midfield.

This is a big test for St Jacques against one of the strongest teams in the league, which will also test the strength of squad depth. Something coach Smart is keen to keep developing.

Kick-off is 1.30PM on the club pitch at Footes Lane.