The match is to be played at Footes Lane rather than the KGV, as the Vikings play their part in a double header, taking the field immediately after the Guernsey Raiders take on Sidcup in London & South East Premier.

The black and yellows have had a fairly successful season so far, and sat top of Sussex Division Two since November. However following the withdrawal of the league’s bottom side Brighton & Sussex Medical School last week, they have now slipped to second two points behind Shoreham. They now enter a period of three back to back games, and know that securing victories in all but each of these games is going to be vital if they wish to knock Shoreham off the top come the end of the season.

In the previous meeting between the two sides, it was the Vikings who secured the victory, 12-45. They weathered an early storm by Midhurst who scored first, and caused many a problem at the breakdown and disrupted the Vikings play. But a strong second half showing ensured they left with maximum points. That match was unfortunately marred by a serious injury to Jonathan Laws who tore his knee ligaments, which continues to keep him out for the foreseeable future.

The Vikings coaches are expecting a big performance from their side on Saturday, as they look to build towards the business end of the season. Midhurst are placed mid-table they will definitely not be taken lightly said coach Ray Smart.

“We are expecting our lads to step us this week and put in a good performance. Midhurst are not going to be an easy side, they are going to be up for this game just as much as we are. We know we are going to have to play to our systems to be effective, we have proven when we do that we are a far better side than when we don’t.”

“We have had a good couple of weeks of training and we have worked on a few areas, hopefully that will show on Saturday” added Smart.

The Vikings have named a similar side to the one that beat Rye away two weeks ago, albeit with several positional changes. Competition for places was tight for this fixture, with several Colts recently stepping up to senior training and adding pressure to the existing squad. However notably this week they are without the impressive outside backs due of Connor Sullivan and Taylor Quate, as Sullivan nurses an injured ankle and Quate is off Island. They are able though to welcome back Leon Collenette & Chris Ahne who themselves have now recovered from injury to replace the unavailable duo at wing and fullback.

Up front in the pack would be Polish international Luke Skovronek switches from flanker to prop, whilst skipper Leon Gardner also moves from the back row to hooker, to partner James Mroch. The impressive Smith brothers continue in the second row. Alex Lock and Tom Rihoy come into the back row, and join James Regnard who is at no 8.

Veteran Alec Bailey will pull the strings from fly-half, ably assisted by second playmaker Gearoid Lee at inside centre. Callum Gladstone and Cashel Cahill continue at outside centre and on the wing respectively.

The replacements bench is littered with impact players. Alan Myers and Callum Murdoch will provide the front row cover and bring their typically strong running lines to the fray when they get on. Colt Matt Creber covers the backrow and will look to build on his impressive debut two weeks ago where he showed what great potential he has. The backs cover is provided by the consistent Billy Wickham who continues to improve and the experienced Guernsey Raider Jason Batiste, who is short of competitive matches this season.

Kick off at Footes Lane is 5pm, immediately after the Guernsey Raiders clash which starts at 3pm.