After the Raiders and Douglas 1st XV’s battle it out for the newly created ‘Crown Cup’ on Saturday afternoon at Footes Lane, St Jacques Vikings and the Douglas Development side will face-off for the first time in a preseason friendly.

The Vikings have been back training since Guernsey lockdown restrictions were lifted, and this early season opportunity to face new opposition has got them excited, and competition for places in Ray Smart’s squad is very high.

The number of players involved with the club has recently grown significantly, with many new players and graduates from the Rugby Academy Colts boosting playing numbers. On Saturday they will not only field one side, but three sides in total as they will play an in-house game earlier in the day, before the main two games.

Whilst Head Coach Smart will be hopeful his black and yellows can secure victory over their Isle of Man opponents, he will be more hoping that they can put in to action and execute their game plans they have been working on in training. Last season they made great improvements all over the park, and he will hope they can take another step forward on Saturday.

Many of the regular faces in the Vikings side last season are present, which once again is led by hooker Leon Gardner. He has been a key player for the Vikings these last few years, and his leadership is going to be vital once again.

Nick Merrien, a stalwart of Guernsey Raiders, played in a significant number of Vikings matches last season and brought significant experience to the side. He is once again back for the Vikings partnering with Tom Creed in the second-row.

There are a few players coming through who are quickly becoming important players for Smart, and none more so than number 8, Jacob Smith. The middle of three Smith brothers for the Vikings had a remarkable season last year, where he became an important enforcer in the forwards and a go to ball carrier. He starts on Saturday in the number 8 jersey, and is joined by Alex Lock and Toby Brook in the back-row. Brook is a new addition to the Vikings, having recently moved over to the island, and is an exciting prospect having played both rugby union and league previously.

Dale Rutledge, currently more locally famed for his golfing exploits is back playing rugby, and starts at scrum-half. The former Guernsey Raider regular has completed a full preseason and is in good shape ahead of this early season clash.

Rutledge is joined in the halfbacks by Gearoid Lee, who gets the opportunity to play in his natural position at fly-half after playing across the backline last season. Lee is a talented playmaker, who will also have the experience of a former Raiders captain in the centres.

Blair Campbell is a player who needs no introduction, having been a regular for the Raiders for many years, and one of the best players to ever play on the island. He will play a vital role at inside centre for the Vikings, partnering with the fast developing Phil Le Noury.

Vikings young player of the season Reece De Jersey starts at fullback, and he is joined by Cam Le Prevost and Chris Ahne on the wings.

The Vikings bench will be confirmed after the in-house game earlier in the day, which undoubtedly will be packed with talent and options for Smart in the latter part of the game.

Kick-off for the Vikings game is 4pm on Footes Lane, with Raiders at 2pm and the in-house game 12pm on the Memorial Field.

Entry to Raiders match is £10, or free for members and under 16's.

Guernsey St Jacques Vikings

Match details

Match date

Kickoff

Location

Team Sponsors

Login