Match Preview

It’s time to back it up!

After another good victory last weekend against Chobham, the Vikings face an even stiffer test tomorrow as Sevenoaks roll in to Guernsey.

Ray Smart’s black-and-yellows are on a good run, having not lost in their last five matches (including the walkover win against Bournemouth), and have appeared to finally find their groove in the past few weeks, producing some excellent performances!l. The challenge is can they continue that form on Saturday!

Saturday’s match is part of a duo of games at Footes Lane as the Raiders & Vikings take on Sevenoaks 1st & 2nd XV’s respectively. For the Raiders they go into the match hoping to continue their title challenge, and they won the away leg 10-17 earlier this season in awful weather conditions. Whilst the weather is unlikely to be much better tomorrow, the Footes Lane pitch is in great condition and the Raiders will be hopeful they can secure the bonus point victory to keep themselves in touch with Rockford Hundred who currently occupy the summit of London & SE Premier.

The Vikings face a different test, with Sevenoaks 2nd’s enjoying a perfect season so far having not lost, and they will arrive full of confidence. Ray Smart clearly has confidence in the depth and ability of his own squad, as he has chosen once again to rotate the side ahead of an important league game next weekend and the Investec Inter-Insular in Jersey a week later.

Ray Smart has made 13 changes from his starting XV last weekend, with only Cashel Cahill and Michael Smith retaining their places in the side. Smart has notably recalled his captain Leon Gardner, and senior players Darrin Bellingham and Tom Creed, whilst providing a rest to Dave Harvey, Taylor Quate, Mitch Smith and Reece De Jersey.

Tom Bray also returns to the front-row, whilst Tom
Yarwood and Tor Ritchie-Bandy start in the back-row. Nico Alexandre performed excellently off the bench this weekend, and this week startS at scrum-half. Veteran fly-half Alec Bailey is also included, whilst Phil Le Noury partners him in midfield.

Ivan Donaldson and Dave Hall start on the wings for the first time, and they are joined in the back three by Leon Collenette who’s experience will prove vital in supporting the new wingers.

The Raiders kick-off the action tomorrow at 2pm, with the Vikings following at 3.45pm. Come down and support the two Guernsey sides as they extend to good form this season.