Vikings return to Footes Lane this Saturday to face Basingstoke in Counties 1 Hampshire, with kick-off at 1:30pm, knowing that the closing weeks of the season will be crucial in determining their fate in the division.

Recent results have seen the Vikings come close on a number of occasions against sides towards the top end of the table. Performances have improved, but turning those displays into league points has proved difficult. This is something the side will be keen to address as the campaign enters its final stretch.

Last weekend’s trip to Andover was a good example of the progress made. Travelling with a depleted squad, the Vikings matched their hosts for long periods and were level at 15–15 heading into the final quarter of the game. However, Andover finished strongly, scoring late tries to run out 32–15 winners. The scoreline did not fully reflect how competitive the contest had been.

This weekend’s visitors represent another significant challenge. Basingstoke currently sit third in the table and remain firmly in the hunt near the top of the division. They arrive in Guernsey following a narrow 34–31 defeat at home to Millbrook last weekend, in what was another tight contest in an extremely competitive league.

With seven games remaining, the Vikings are aware that the margin for error is becoming smaller. Two sides are expected to be relegated from Counties 1 Hampshire this season, meaning every result between now and the end of the campaign could prove decisive in the battle for survival.

A return to Footes Lane will be welcome after recent weeks of disrupted fixtures caused by waterlogged pitches. With improved conditions and home advantage, the Vikings will hope to produce the kind of composed performance that recent displays have suggested is within reach.

Selection is boosted by the return of several experienced players. Co-captain Chris Croft comes back into the side after missing last weekend’s fixture and will link up again with Luke Grigg in the back row. Both players have been among the Vikings’ most consistent performers this season.

In the front row, Tom Bray returns after injury while Phil Le Noury moves back to hooker. The backline is also strengthened, with Taylor Quate, Matt Lomas-Lloyd, Niall McGann and Tom Creber all returning to provide experience and attacking options.

The Vikings have shown in recent weeks that they can compete with the leading sides in the division. The challenge now is to turn those competitive performances into results. That will be vital if they are to secure their place in Counties 1 Hampshire.

Kick-off is 1:30pm on Saturday at Footes Lane.