Ray Smart’s men remain unbeaten this season, and sit top of Counties Three Hampshire having produced some strong performances so far. Victory on Saturday would likely ensure that next weeks away game against Havant Thirds will be an important top of the table clash.

Last weekend the Vikings overcame a Winchester Seconds side who provided a sterner test than they have faced this season. After a slight first-half wobble, where they held a narrow lead at half-time, they eventually pulled well clear in the second-half to secure the bonus point victory.

This weeks visitors have had an indifferent start to the season, with one victory from their four games so far. They will likely be boosted this weekend however, as their first XV have no game and they are expected to select several players from that set-up.

The Vikings are without second-row Tom Creed this week, as he suffered a reoccurrence of his hamstring injury last weekend, and may now be out for a few further weeks. Thankfully the full contingent of the Smith brothers, Mitchell, Jacob & Michael all return from holiday and are straight back into the squad.

Mitchell will start in the second-row this week, whilst the remaining brothers are poised to enter the action from the replacements bench.

Tor Ritchie-Bandy is also back and slots into the second-row, with Keiran Williamson rested this week as Smart rotates the side. In the front-row James Beck and James Burger return from the Raiders, whilst James Mroch moves from hooker to prop this week.

Chris Croft has been a stand-out player this season and having missed last week as he was away, comes straight back into the side. Barney Paul keeps the no. 8 shirt but Alex Lock has been ruled out with injury. Young Jack Webber completes the back-row, having scored two tries last weekend.

In the backs, Dan Rice plays for the second time at fly-half this season. He was instrumental in the Vikings huge victory over Portsmouth a few weeks ago.

Taylor Quate, the black-and-yellows top try scorer this season also returns to the side at outside-centre. The dynamic ball runner has been key to their success this season, and will be a significant boost to the side. Joe Le Roux who impressively deputised for Quate last week is unavailable.

On the wings there will be two debutants for the Vikings. Will Forbes-Lee and Oscar Bailey have had to wait in the wings this season as their registration paperwork was completed, but they finally get their opportunity on Saturday. In the case of Bailey, he is a current Guernsey Colt who steps up to the senior ranks and is expected to have a big future in the game.

Matt Lomas, the Vikings captain moves to full-back this week, with the inclusion of Rice at fly-half.

Kick-off is 1.30pm at Footes Lane, it’s free entry and there is a pitch-side bar.

Our new ‘Vikings burgers’ will also be on sale, give one a try this week!