Vikings
Matches
Sat 11 Jan 2020
Guernsey St Jacques Vikings
Vikings
Tries: T Quate, D Bellingham, L Collenette, T CreedConversions: M Lomas (2), L CollenettePenalties: L Collenette
29
25
London Irish Wild Geese

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James Mroch10 Jan 2020 - 22:27
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St Jacques Vikings head coach Ray Smart has a positive selection headache this week, as he has 31 players available for the visit of London Irish Wild Geese Seconds tomorrow, with a raft of injured or holidaying players now again available to him.

This is a pleasing situation for the coach to be in, and it could not have come at a better time as his side are focussed on overturning their 40-19 loss to ‘Irish’ in December. On that day they produced a performance well below what they are capable of, which as Smart explains the players are keen to put that right tomorrow.

“After our defeat to London Irish at the end of last year, the players were left bitterly disappointed with how they performed as they felt they did not show what they are capable of, and there has been a determination amongst them in training since to change that tomorrow. Whilst it was disappointing to lose that game, along with several others this season, the most important thing is that we learn the lessons from that and look at how we can improve.”

“This is very much a transition season for us as we adapt to playing at this level, but I am in no doubt this is where we should be playing and that we will only get stronger if we continually look at our weaknesses as individual players, coaches and as a team and work hard to improve in those areas. I am confident that in the latter part of this season and beyond this will pay dividends for us, and will really show in the quality of our performances.” Added Smart

The match this weekend takes place at the old St Peter Port School, with a 1pm Kick-off.

The Vikings produced an improved performance last weekend against Hertford Seconds, and had many chances to score but ended up losing 12-18. This weekend if they can show further improved defence, and take their opportunities they will be confident they will end up on the right side of the result.

With so many players to choose from, Smart has expectedly named a strong squad for the clash which sees the return of Mitch & Michael Smith, Tom Rihoy, Taylor Quate and Sean Gnanih. In the case of the Smith brothers both were ruled out last week through injury, whilst Tom Rihoy, the Vikings industrious open-side flanker is now based at university in the UK, but is back on island until this weekend and provides a big boost.

Taylor Quate has been out since injuring his ankle against Maidenhead back in November, and is deployed at scrum-half this week, where he has proven to be very effective this season. New Raiders recruit Sean Gnanih is playing his second game for the Vikings, after he was involved against London Irish in December. The big powerful centre will help make up for the loss of Dave Davison in the midfield, who will be out for some time after breaking his arm last weekend, and will be looking to produce a big performance to catch the eye of Jordan Reynolds this week.

Prop Tom Bray, who scored two tries last weekend keeps the tighthead shirt after producing a man-of-the-match performance, and he is joined by Darrin Bellingham and the captain Leon Gardner. Tom Creed moves back into the second-row after being used in the back-row last weekend, making way for Mitch Smith. Dave Harvey joins Creed, whilst the remaining Smith brother Jacob gets the nod at number 8 this week, with James Regnard saved for impact from the bench.

Matt Lomas continues in his normal fly-half role, and outside of him is Phil Le Noury who produced a fine performance last week after replacing the injured Dave Davison. Le Noury is very defensively sound and confident going forward, and partnered with Sean Gnanih they should form a powerful and effect centre pairing.

A new name is scheduled to start on the wing for the Vikings, as Academy Colt Reece de Jersey is making his senior rugby debut tomorrow. The very talented young man is often found playing at fly-half for his Colts side, but this week has been tasked with playing outwide initially, however he may well get the chance to pull the strings later in the game.

The Vikings bench is packed full of power, skill and experience and includes Michael Smith, Barney Paul, Luke Skovronek and James Regnard in the forwards. Veteran fly-half Alec Bailey is also amongst the replacements along with Kieran Creber and Pierre de Garis.

All support will be very much welcomed tomorrow, as we look to get ourselves back on track with hopefully an important victory.

GCFC Les Ozouets Campus (Old St Peter Port School)

GCFC Les Ozouets Campus (Old St Peter Port School)

Les Ozouets Road
St Peter Port
GY1 2UB

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Match details

Match date

Sat 11 Jan 2020

Kickoff

13:00
Team overview
Further reading

Team Sponsors

Bronze Sponsor - Deloitte
Player Sponsor - Barber Jay
Player Sponsor - Sacred Hand Tattoo
Player Sponsor  - Specsavers
Player Sponsor - Grant Thornton
Player sponsor  - Raise The Bar Fitness
Player Sponsor - GFF
Player Sponsor - Collas Crill
Player Sponsor - JW Rihoy & Son
Shirt Sponsor - Ravenscroft Stockbroking & Investment Management
Sponsor  - Granite Le Pelley