Match Preview

St Jacques Vikings travel to Worthing on Saturday looking to return to winning ways.

The black and yellows take on Worthing Azurians, the wholly amateur outfit of the semi-pro National Two south Club. After a narrow loss to Newick last weekend Steve Melbourne’s men will be keen to put in a performance for 80 minutes, after a very poor first half cost them dearly last week.

The home side sit sixth in Sussex Div 2 league table, while only three points separate the Vikings from them in forth. Worthing Azurians so far have won two matches and with the Vikings winning three.

Melbourne’s men know securing a win on Saturday is vitally important as they head into five weeks of back to back games, including against unbeaten league leaders Shoreham next week at the KGV.

The Vikings have several key players unavailable again this week, particularly in the forwards.

Young backrow pairing of Tom Rihoy & John Le Noury cannot make the trip on Saturday due to work commitments, and the experienced group of Bjorn Van Der Kammen, Scott Le Page and Brett McFarlane are either unavailable or injured. Brad Webb who can play in the forwards and the backs also is unavailable.

Alfie Penney comes back in after a three week injury lay off at openside flanker and he is joined by Hayden Dempsey on the blindside. Dempsey has been missing this season but comes straight in this week.

Cally Murdoch comes back in at hooker and Jacob Smith joins his brother in the second row. James Mroch drops to the bench.

Talented Colt Tom Teasdale starts at fly-half, with Alec Bailey out for around four weeks following his nasty head injury sustained against Newick. The youngster has shown himself to be a very capable player, and he will have a big responsibility this week.

Leon Collenette is unavailable this week, therefore Billy Wickham starts on the wing, ably supported by Cashel Cahill and Connor Sullivan at fullback. Callum Gladstone and Johan Greenberg continue in the centres.

Saturdays match is an important game for the Vikings, as they aim to climb back up the table.