Match Preview

St Jacques Vikings face their toughest test of the season so far on Saturday, when they travel away to Barns Green.

The hosts were last season relegated from Sussex Division One and although they had a torrid campaign winning only two regular season matches, they are unbeaten so far this season.

The Vikings are also unbeaten this season, having won three consecutive matches which included a 14-74 rout over Holbrook last weekend.

The black and yellows know little about their opposition this week, however they are focusing on their own game and ensuring they produce another good performance on Saturday, which they hope will ensure they return to Guernsey with their unbeaten record intact. With each game they have been improving their performance levels, and against likely stiffer opposition they will need to continue that trend this week.

Ray Smart once again sees several players unavailable which includes last weeks man of the match Joe Le Roux. In his place on the left wing is Academy Colt Phil Le Noury who makes his debut this weekend. He has been unavailable for the three matches so far this season, but after joining up with the squad at the start of preseason will be itching to get going this week. Another Vikings debutant this week is hooker George Shannon.

The Vikings are able to recall Lucas Barker & Brad Webb who both missed last week. Barker impressed on his debut two weeks ago, and although a scrum half by trade is showing his versatility, starting at inside centre this week. Brad Webb this week is starting in his natural second row position, after playing in backrow for the Vikings so far this season. Jacob Smith who has played nearly every minute this season at second row gets a deserved rest and was due to start on the bench, however he will now sit out the whole trip due to injury. Tor Ritchie-Bandy steps into his place on the bench. The Vikings bench also includes James Mroch and the explosive James Regnard who played very well last week at no 8. He and the rest of his colleagues will look to add impact from the bench when they come on.

Callum Gladstone pairs up with Barker in the centres, whilst Ben Holland and Matt Lomas continue their halfback pairing. Tom Chammings and Cam Le Prevost complete the backs line up at fullback and on the right wing respectively.

Whilst up front Barnaby Paul and Nico Ashplant join forces with Shannon in the front row. Both have played well this season and have scored tries in the opening weeks. Mitch Smith continues at second row, this week playing with Webb, and Chris Croft, Tom Rihoy and captain Leon Gardner make up the starting back row.

The Vikings will will no doubt expect a tougher game this weekend, and it will be the first real test for them. It will be interesting to see how they come through it.

Barnaby Paul
George Shannon
Nico Ashplant
M Smith
B Webb
C Croft
T Rihoy
L Gardner (c)
B Holland
M Lomas
Phil Le Noury
Lucas Barker
Callum Gladstone
Callum Le Prevost
Tom Chammings

James Mroch
Tor Ritchie-Bandy
James Regnard