Match Preview

St Jacques Vikings get their Sussex Division Two season underway at home this Saturday, as they welcome Rye RFC to the KGV.

After suffering a 34-19 loss on the road to Plumpton last weekend they will be very keen to put in a good performance in front of their home supporters. Although losing last weekend their performance was generally better then against St Francis on the opening weekend, and they will hope that trend continues this week.

On naming their side, they make several changes due to unavailability of certain players, but are able to name a strong side with plenty of experience.

Perhaps the most surprising selection starts on the bench, as Guernsey Raiders prop Leighton Batiste comes into the squad to gain some gametime after suffering an early season injury. He will add strength in the forwards, and his experience and leadership will be invaluable for many of the young Vikings this week.

James Mroch returns to the side to start at hooker in place of Hugh Birley who takes a place on the bench. Callum Murdoch partners along him with Trevor Marquis.

Bjorn Van Der Kammen is unavailable this week, but Jonathan Laws returns to the number 8 shirt after missing out last week. Former captain Brett Mcfarlane also comes in, starting at openside flanker, whilst Captain Leon Gardner starts on the blindside flank.

Ben Holland comes back in, this week at his usual scrum-half position with Tom Teasdale unavailable due to representing Guernsey in the swimming inter-insulars. Teasdale impressed on his senior debut last week, and showed what a promising young player he is.

Alec Bailey moves into flyhalf, a position he is very accustomed to, and the Vikings welcome back Callum Gladstone into the centres, with Johan Greenberg moving from the wing to centre to partner him.

Leon Collenette moves to fullback whilst Taylor Quate is still out, and on the wings Dave Horsecraft and Brad Webb pair up.

The match at the KGV kicks off at 2pm on Saturday.

1. Cally Murdoch
2. James Mroch
3. Trevor Marquis
4. Michelle Smith
5. Jacob Smiths
6. Leon Gardner (Capt)
7. Brett McFarlane
8. Jonny Laws

9. Ben Holland
10. Alec Bailey
11. Dave Horscraft
12. Callum Gladstone
13. Johan Greenberg
14. Brad Webb
15. Leon Collenette

16. Layton Batiste
17. Hugh Birley
18. Alan Myers
19. John Le Noury
20. Tom Rihoy
21. Billy Wickham
22. Connor Sullivan
23. Cashel Cahill