A Vikings invasion will occur this weekend in the Isle of Man, as Ray Smart’s St Jacques Vikings side head northwest to take on once again Douglas RFC.

This will be the second meeting between to the two clubs this season, after the Vikings beat the Douglas Development side 42-10 at Footes Lane in August. For this Saturday’s clash they are expecting stiffer test, with many of the Douglas first team players who took on Guernsey Raiders involved in this clash. This is something Ray Smart is relishing.

“We are expecting a battle up in the Isle of Man this Saturday, which is great! Douglas 1st’s play a couple of levels above us, and whilst we are not expecting their full side this will be a challenge for us.” Said Smart.

Understandably for this big challenge, Smart has aimed to field his strongest side, which will also be boosted by a couple of Raiders due to injuries and unavailability.

Tom Teasdale will line up at fullback, whilst Charlie Curry who has recently returned to the island will pack down in the front row. The Vikings will also have a new captain, as Lucas Barker takes over the reins for the match. Barker has been a mainstay in the Vikings for several years, and last last season was also a regular for the Raiders.

Smart is also able to welcome back last seasons top try scorer, Darrin Bellingham who will join Charlie Curry and Barney Paul in the front row.

For Smart, he is keen to ensure his players work to the game plans, but also enjoy the day. “We have worked out the way we want to play the game on Saturday, we’ve rewatched the footage from both the Raiders and Vikings games against Douglas in August and we are aware how we need to approach this game. But regardless of the result, the most important thing for the players is to enjoy the game, as we don’t know how many days we will have like this, this season.”

Many of the side that played against Douglas Development in August are also included this week, including big number 8 Jacob Smith. He was one of the biggest improvers last season, and has quickly become one of the most valuable players in the Vikings squad. He is joined in the back-row bu Alex Lock and his brother Mitchell this week. Unfortunately James Regnard, who would have had a spot on the bench, injured himself last week and looks likely to be out for a while.

In the backs, Matt Lomas and Reece de Jersey are absent through injury and unavailability, but the electric Taylor Quate is back and starts with Lucas Barker in the centres. Out wide, Joe Le Roux and Cameron Le Prevost join Tom Teasdale.

On the bench, Jamie Mahy is in line to make his full Vikings debut.

This clash of the islands is expected to be a good tussle, and although underdogs, Ray Smart will be excited to see what his side can do this week.

Darrin Bellingham
Barnaby Paul
Charlie Curry
Tom Creed
Tor Ritchie-Bandy
Mitchell Smith
Alexander Lock
Jacob Smith
Nico Alexandre
Gearoid Lee
Cameron Le Prevost
Lucas Barker (c)
Taylor Quate
Joe Le Roux
Tom Teasedale
Nico Ashplant
Michael Smith
Chris Croft
Jamie Mahy
Tom Creber
Kieran Creber