Match Preview

Ray Smart is expecting his side to make big improvements this week, particularly defensively, after their 24-48 loss to Richmond Normans last weekend.

On a tough opening afternoon in the Zoo Leagues, his side were very competitive with the ball in hand and scored three good tries, but missed tackles cost them dearly as they shipped eight tries to last weeks visitors.

The Vikings host Brighton Blues 2nd XV at Footes Lane on Saturday, as part of a double header of games with Guernsey Raiders taking on the Blues 1st XV straight after the match.

This match for the Vikings is a replay of the very entertaining friendly fixture between the two sides which was played back in February at the KGV. The Blues came away with a narrow 5 point victory on that occasion, and the home side will be looking to avenge that result tomorrow.

Speaking ahead of the game coach Ray Smart said:

“Last week defensively we were poor, and against good teams they will make you pay for that. Significant improvements have to be made if we want to be successful at this level.”

“We have had a really good week in training though, with a big focus on defence, and the boys have really bought into it. I hope to see an improved performance from us this week. Brighton are a very good side, they showed that when we played them last season. However we stuck at it that day and it was close, hopefully we can go one better this week.”

The Vikings are without number 8 James Regnard this week, and backs Leon Collenette and Phil Le Noury who are all unavailable, whilst second row Jacob Smith is still away.

But they are able to welcome back Darrin Bellingham and Lucas Barker and are further buoyed by the inclusion of Raiders regular second row Nick Merrien, fullback Luke Sayer and new back-row Courtney Raymond who starts at number 8.

The match kicks off at 12pm with the Raiders following at 2.30pm on the same pitch.

1. D Bellingham
2. L Gardner (c)
3. N Ashplant
4. T Creed
5. N Merrien
6. M Smith
7. D de Kock
8. C Raymond
9. T Quate
10. M Lomas
11. C Le Prevost
12. L Barker
13. C Gladstone
14. M Agyei-King
15. L Sayer
16. B Paul
17. T Bray
18. D Harvey
19. T Rihoy
20. A Lock
21. C Denton
22. K Creber
23. T Stables
24. G Lee