Match Preview

St Jacques Vikings travel for their fifth consecutive away game tomorrow, looking to extend their winning run against Worthing Azurians.

Ray Smart’s men have had a near perfect season so far, amassing four victories and look one of the early likely candidates to lift the Sussex Division Two trophy at the end of the season. Whilst not every performance has been to the high standards Smart and his coaching team expect, the performances have improved game by game and they will hope that trend continues this week.

Worthing Azurians are a good side, the amateur element to the semi-professional Worthing Raiders who compete with Guernsey Raiders in RFU National Two South. Last season the Vikings won both the home and away leg’s, however they were made to work exceptionally hard for it during the away leg. After leading for much of the game they eventually allowed a strong and spirited Azurians side back into the match, which eventually was taken well into overtime as the home side went through near thirty phases in search of a try that would have seen them spoil the Vikings party. However in the end they held on to a 17-22 victory.

Back at the KGV the result was a little more comprehensive as the Vikings came away with a 43-3 victory on that occasion.

So far this season the Azurians have won two out of their four matches, only losing out to Barns Green and Midhurst two of the stronger teams in the leagues. They will likely be a tough opponent for the Vikings on Saturday, and the visitors will need to ensure they bring their ‘A’ game to walk away with the honours.

Ray Smart has once again been able to name a very strong squad for the trip to the UK south coast, whilst this week resting several key players. Nico Alexandre & George Shannon make their debuts for the Vikings whilst Leon Collenette and Joe Le Roux return to the starting lineup after missing the last game against Barns Green.

Forwards Nico Ashplant and Jacob Smith are rested as both are carrying minor knocks and have played a lot of minutes so far this season. Shannon will replace Ashplant at tighthead prop, whilst Brad Webb pairs up with Mitch Smith in the second row.

Regular Scrum half so far this season Ben Holland is unavailable this weekend and Alexandre replaces him, partnering with Matt Lomas in the halfbacks. Tom Chammings, son of coach Matt, has looked lively since his return to St Jacques colours but also also unavailable this week. Leon Collenette replacing him.

On the bench three players return from injury with James Mroch, Alex Lock and Connor Sullivan all poised to offer impact when they get on.

With the first home match of the season on the horizon next weekend, Ray Smart and his team will be hoping they can secure another victory this weekend before getting the opportunity to perform in front of the their own supporters.

1 Barney Paul
2 Leon Gardner (c)
3 George Shannon
4 Mitch Smith
5 Brad Webb
6 Chris Croft
7 Tom Rihoy
8 James Regnard
9 Nico Alexandre
10 Matt Lomas
11 Joe Le Roux
12 Lucas Barker
13 Callum Gladstone
14 Cameron Le Prevost
15 Leon Collenette
16 James Mroch
17 Alex Lock
18 Connor Sullivan