While the visitors’ experience ultimately told, the scoreline did not fully reflect the balance of the contest, with the Vikings more than matching their opponents for large spells of the game.

The fixture carried extra local interest, with Chichester fly-half Gareth Davies – originally from Guernsey and well-known to many Vikings players and supporters – returning home to a warm reception from the Footes Lane crowd.

The game was played in blustery conditions as Storm Amy swept across the island, but it was Chichester’s accuracy and physical edge rather than the weather that defined the opening half. The visitors were direct and clinical, taking their chances whenever they entered the Vikings’ red zone to build a 24–5 lead by the interval.

A bright moment for the hosts came when Jacob Smith crashed over following sustained forward pressure for the Vikings’ first-half try. Much of that go-forward was built on the efforts of James Regnard, making his first appearance in several seasons. The former Vikings and Raiders stalwart made an immediate impact with his powerful carrying and work rate around the contact area, giving his side an early platform.

Despite creating several promising opportunities, the Vikings were left to rue handling errors and missed chances close to the line, a recurring theme that allowed Chichester to pull clear before the break.

Head Coach Layton Batiste urged composure and patience at halftime, and his players responded. Although Chichester struck first after the restart to stretch their advantage, the Vikings began to find rhythm and territory. Their forwards carried with purpose, and the back row, in particular Luke Grigg, was exceptional throughout. The openside flanker worked tirelessly at the breakdown and produced one of the game’s standout moments in the second half, making a surging break down the touchline before kicking ahead. While Chichester regathered, Grigg and Taylor Quate combined brilliantly to force a turnover penalty, lifting the home crowd and injecting real energy into the side.

That growing momentum paid off when Mitch Smith powered over from close range, with Matt Lomas-Lloyd converting. Moments later, co-captain Chris Croft added another after sustained pressure, narrowing the deficit to 31–19 and hinting at a possible comeback.

The Vikings’ belief was high, but a yellow card shown to Mitch Smith for repeated team infringements briefly stalled their progress, allowing Chichester to extend their lead once more. Still, the hosts refused to fade. Replacement Angus MacCallum continued his fine early-season form by crashing over for the Vikings’ fourth try of the afternoon, again converted by Lomas-Lloyd.

In the backline, Tom Creber was a standout defensively, making a series of crunching tackles and adding real edge to the midfield. His work rate and physicality repeatedly disrupted Chichester’s attacking shape, and his combination with the inside backs gave the Vikings greater solidity throughout the contest.

Late on, Gareth Davies was shown a yellow card, greeted with laughter and applause from the Guernsey supporters who know him well, as the Vikings pushed for a fifth try to claim a losing bonus point. Despite their efforts, it was the visitors who struck last, scoring again in the dying minutes to seal a 45–26 victory.

Although the result went against them, the Vikings can take significant encouragement from the performance, particularly in the second-half. The team showed sharper execution, improved discipline, and a stronger defensive structure than in previous weeks. The margin of defeat did not reflect how competitive the game was, particularly in the second half, where the Vikings carried the greater momentum and tested Chichester repeatedly.

There were standout individual contributions across the squad. Henry Watkin, making his senior debut straight from the Guernsey Rugby Academy, impressed with his composure and energy. Regnard’s return brought power and leadership, Croft and Veillard led by example, while Whitfield and Lomas-Lloyd managed the backline effectively. Grigg and Creber, in particular, embodied the team’s fighting spirit with their relentless work and impact at key moments.

The Vikings now turn their focus to next weekend’s trip to newly promoted Millbrook RFC, aiming to build on their progress and convert improved performances into points on the Counties 1 Hampshire table.