Last week, in a hectic series of events that saw their competitive match called off before the first whilst had even been blown, Ray Smart’s side stuttered in the arranged friendly at Footes Lane.

The message from the Vikings camp ahead of this trip is clear, ‘Let’s forget last week and find our edge again’. Those were the buzz words from forwards coach Dan Brown, who will take responsibility for the side in the absence of Smart who is on holiday.

Ventnor are likely to be a difficult opposition for the Vikings, the Isle of Wight 1st XV sides are notoriously strong men, who play with a huge amount of heart and determination.

Whilst the Vikings have a target on their backs as the league leaders, they will be confident if they can produce a much-improved performance than last week, like what has been seen several times this season, then they can come away from this battle of the islands with a deserved victory.

Mitchell Smith has been ruled out of the trip, after he sustained ankle ligament damage last weekend. He will be out for a while, but the Vikings have another adept ball carrier to replace him. Young Jack Webber comes back into the side in the back-row, and joins up with the established pairing of Chris Croft and Barnaby Paul.

Michael Smith is back in the front-row having overcome a shoulder injury that kept him out for a few weeks. He secured some vital minutes last weekend in the Vikings ‘A’ team game vs Guernsey Veterans, and will be looking to make an impact back in the first 1st XV this Saturday.

Steering the Vikings ship from fly-half will this week be John Welbourne. He had an impressive outing against Havant recently, and slots back in for this away match-up. Cameron Le Prevost also joins him having missed out in the last few matches.

Phil Le Noury has shaken off his recently injury struggles and he packs down at hooker, joining with Michael Smith and Tom Bray in the front row. James Mroch this week drops to the bench.

Kick-off is 2pm in the Isle of Wight, the Vikings are hoping they can find their form again and come away with a deserved victory.