St Jacques Vikings bring the curtain down on a double header at Footes Lane on Saturday afternoon, that see’s both themselves and Raiders tackle Henley Hawks.

Ray Smart’s side take on Hawks second XV in the Shield Division Two, and come in off the back of two defeats and needing to produce a stronger performance.

Last weekend against Bracknell the Vikings grew into the game and produced some good play, particularly in the second half, but if they want to be in with a chance of securing their first victory they will need to start much faster this week.

This will be the first ever game between these two sides, and although Henley also went down to Bracknell on the opening weekend, they are expected to be a stronger outfit this week.

Ahead of the game, Ray Smart spoke of the good work his squad have done this week, as they seek to improve their performance from last weekend.

“Last week the boys were pretty disappointed with our performance. They felt it was not a proper reflection of who we are and how we want to play. We all sat down and reviewed the match footage at the start of the week and identified several areas we wanted to focus on. We have had a really good training week, and I am hopeful we will take a positive step forward this week.”

Whilst Ray Smart won’t be pitchside for the game, he had many tough selection calls this week which has ensured that a strong Vikings side will take to the field, and the replacements bench is also littered with talent and power, which could add real impact during the game.

Callum Murdoch makes his first start of the season for Vikings at prop, joining James Mroch and Tom Bray who retain their places from last weekend. Murdoch had missed the first two games after he picked up a knock whilst playing for the Raiders down in Barnstaple, but is now ready to return.

Tom Creed will also return to the Vikings second-row after missing last weeks trip to provide cover for Raiders. The lock is an essential part of the Vikings side, and someone who will add some firepower to the forwards. He is joined by Mitch Smith who moves from number 8 last week.

The back-row see’s Raiders stalwart Matt Thomas adding some real carrying power to the Vikings side, and he is joined by a duo of the Le Noury brothers on the flanks. Phil missed out last week through illness, but his brother John came off the Vikings bench at Bracknell to produce a massive defensive performance and earn himself man-of-the-match accolades, and with it a start this week.

Barnaby Paul, who put in a solid scrummaging performance last weekend is rotated to the bench, and his forward colleagues with him include Raiders & Vikings stalwart James Regnard who has missed the first few games. Regnard has been a key player for the Vikings over the past five years, and will offer another explosive replacement option.

Hugo Culverhouse is named on the Vikings bench, unless he is required by the Raiders. The second-row is an imposing figure who has performed well for Raiders this season, and is returning from a minor injury and will add another strong option for Smart’s side.

James Burger, who recently moved to the island completes the forwards on the replacements bench. The back-rower appears to be a strong runner with the ball and will add another interesting option for the Vikings.

Reece de Jersey will be at fly-half on Saturday as Gearoid Lee misses out through work commitments. The youngster is developing into a versatile player who can fill a number of positions, but he has a good skill-set and a knowledge of the game well suited to steering the Vikings ship.

Pierre de Garis partners him in the halfbacks after missing last weeks trip, and Dale Rutledge is also primed on the bench ensuring the Vikings have two good scrum-half’s poised for action.

Taylor Quate moves from the centres to the wing on Saturday, with Lucas Barker settling back with Callum Gladstone in the midfield. Cameron Le Prevost joins Quate in the backfield along with with Vikings skipper Matt Lomas at fullback.

Joe Le Roux and Jason Batiste complete the Vikings bench, providing two very strong and fast options to help shake up the game if and when needed.

Raiders vs Henley Hawks | 3.45pm
Vikings vs Henley Hawks II’s | 5.30pm

Bar open from 1pm | Food & drink available all day