Footes Lane is set for an action-packed day of rugby this Saturday, as St Jacques Vikings take on Sandown & Shanklin in the final fixture of a thrilling triple-header.

The Academy Under-15s kick off the day at 11:30am, followed by Guernsey Raiders facing third-placed Dorking in National Two East at 2pm. The Vikings then close out the day at 3:30pm, welcoming their fellow islanders from the Isle of Wight for a crucial Counties One Hampshire showdown on the Garenne Stand pitch.

The last two encounters between these sides have gone down to the wire, with both being decided by a last-minute kick. Earlier this season, the Vikings claimed a hard-fought victory in the Isle of Wight, showing their ability to step up in crucial moments. With both sides eager to put in a strong performance, another fiercely competitive battle is expected.

Recent Form

St Jacques come into this fixture off the back of some encouraging performances. Their scheduled match against Portsmouth last weekend was cancelled, resulting in a walkover win, but their recent on-field displays have been impressive. A dominant second-half performance against Trojans secured a vital victory, before they took newly crowned champions Havant Dolphins to the limit, staying in the contest until the final ten minutes.

That recent run has highlighted the Vikings’ growing confidence and improvements across all areas of their game. Their set-piece has been reliable, their defensive organisation has tightened, and their attack has shown more fluency. They will need all of those elements to be sharp again as they look to complete the league double over Sandown & Shanklin.

Their opponents, promoted as Counties Two Hampshire champions last season, have proven themselves a tough, well-drilled side. They will be determined to respond after their narrow loss to the Vikings earlier in the campaign, but with home advantage and recent momentum, St Jacques will be eager to put in another strong display.

Team News

Head coach Layton Batiste has made a few changes to the squad, welcoming back Leon Gardner and Gearoid Lee. Gardner, returning for the first time since November, adds power and experience to the front row, while Lee starts at fullback, offering an exciting attacking threat from deep.

At scrum-half, Ben Holland makes his first appearance in several months, where his crisp distribution will be key in linking up with captain Tom Veillard at fly-half.

Out wide, Will Forbes-Lee makes his first appearance of the season on the wing, providing another attacking option after proving to be a vital playmaker last season. Kieran Creber, in red-hot form, starts on the opposite wing. His performances in recent weeks have been outstanding, with his elusiveness and finishing ability making him a constant threat to opposition defences. He will be looking to continue that run and make a big impact once again.

The forward pack remains strong, with James Mroch, Gardner, and Pierce de Carteret forming the front row. Kieran Williamson partners Jacob Smith in the second row, while Mitchell Smith, Barney Paul, and Chris Croft complete a powerful and mobile back row.

In the midfield, Callum Gladstone and Matt Lomas-Lloyd continue their partnership, providing stability and creativity in attack. Lee starts at fullback, adding another dimension to the Vikings’ backline.

Among the replacements, Corey Wallis, Jamie Mahy, and Marcus Whitfield will be ready to make an impact from the bench.

Building on Recent Performances

With confidence building and performances improving each week, St Jacques will be looking to deliver another strong display at Footes Lane.

Kick-off is at 3:30pm on the Garenne Stand pitch, following Guernsey Raiders’ clash with Dorking at 2pm. The Academy Under-15s get the day underway at 11:30am, making this a full day of rugby at Footes Lane. Supporters are encouraged to get behind the teams in what promises to be an exciting afternoon of action