Match Preview

St Jacques Vikings travel to Shoreham on Saturday looking to become the first team to defeat them at home so far this season.

The Vikings are the current league leaders, but have only two games remaining in the season, and they know they must win both matches, and require other result to go in their favour to be in with a chance of winning the league. Shoreham currently sit third, but they have three games in hand over the KGV side, have been one of the form teams all season.

The massive clash on the south coast of England is potentially the biggest match of the season for the black and yellows, and they will have to do so without their impressive Colts contingent who have a game on Sunday and are therefore unavailable for selection.

Upon naming the side, the Vikings coaching team have been forced into several further changes, with influential back Connor Sullivan picking up a knock in training this week which means he unfortunately misses out. Therefore Cashel Cahill moves into the centres, partnering Callum Gladstone.

Regular backrow forward Alfie Penney is to be deployed on the right wing initially in Cahill’s absence. The versatile young man has played this position previously, and will offer veracious defence and good forward momentum in the outside channels, which is exactly what will be needed against Shoreham.

Alec Bailey returns to the side after missing out last week as he was off Island, and he will steer the Vikings ship at Fly-half. Johan Greenberg moves back to scrum-half in the absence of Ben Holland this week, and he has shown several times this season that he excellent in this position. Taylor Quate was man of the match last week after grabbing three tries, another hugh performance is likely to be required from the young fullback again this week.

In the forwards, the Vikings name a familiar pack, with captain Leon Gardner leading the side from Hooker, with Alan Myers & Cal Murdoch as his front row partners. The Smith brothers continue in the second row looking to continue their imperious form, and in the back row James Regnard starts at number 8 with Alex Lock & Tom Rihoy on the flanks. Regnard is going to be a massive influence for the Vikings, and know they will require his years of experience & strong ball carrying to get them over the gain line.

Nothing but a victory will do for the Vikings, and this is a real test if they can travel away from home and become the first side to beat Shoreham at their ground this season.