Match Preview

St Jacques Vikings host Holbrook on Saturday knowing only a victory will do if they are to put themselves in contention to win Sussex Division Two.

The win will not be enough, and other results will need to go their way, and whilst the chances are slim all they can do is perform on the pitch at the home of the Guernsey Academy, St Peter Port School.

The fixture is unable to be played at the Vikings usual KGV Home due to the imminent start of the cricket season, and Footes Lane is unplayable due to the recent heavy rainfall.

The Vikings have not lost since November, and the last team to beat them was in fact Holbrook. On that day the black and yellows underperformed, something their coaches will want to ensure that does not happen this Saturday.

The Vikings name a side that arguably could be one of their strongest all season, with a particularly strong replacements bench which includes Alan Myers, James Regnard, Brad Webb & Dave Haimes. Three big names are missing from the side with front rower Callum Murdoch & impressive fullback Taylor Quate both missing out through injury, whilst versatile back Leon Collenette is off island.

James Mroch starts in the front row, joined by captain Leon Gardner & Nico Ashplant. The latter is subject to a fitness test, and should he fail that Alan Myers will up from the bench.

The Smith brothers start in the second row, however young Brad Webb who has missed many games since Christmas through injury will be itching to come off the bench and is likely to play his part in the second row.

The back row triplet is potentially the youngest ever St Jacques back row, with the Tom Rihoy (18) & John Le Noury (18) starting on the flanks, and Matt Creber (17) in at number 8. James Regnard as ever will have a big part to play, and will be ready when required form the bench. Alex Lock who has played well this season will also add excellent replacement options from the bench.

Ben Holland makes his long awaiting return to a Vikings shirt on Saturday, in his familiar scrum half role. The young colt who plays with great maturity beyond his years has struggled with injury since Christmas, and whilst Johan Greenberg has done a very good job in his absence Holland will be a big boost with his speed of pass and intensity.

Veteran Alec Bailey gets the nod over Dave Haimes at fly-half, however Haimes is likely to play a significant part of the match. Young Tom Teasdale misses out all together through injury. In the centres the Vikings coaches have opted to start Connor Sullivan at inside, with veteran Johan Greenberg playing his more preferred centre role.

Callum Gladstone starts at fullback, in the absence of Quate & Collenette. Cashel Cahill, one of the most improved players this season is again on the wings, whilst regular flanker Alfie Penney who has proved on many occasions he is very capable of mixing it with the backs starts on the opposite wing.

Kick off is 12.30pm at St Peter Port School.

Finally we would like to wish the best of luck of Guernsey Raiders in the biggest game in the clubs history today as they aim to all but assume themselves of the London & SE Three Premier title and with it promotion to National Two for next season. We are a behind you!

14 v Holbrook

1. James Mroch
2. Leon Gardner (Capt)
3. Nico Ashplant
4. Mitchell Smith
5. Jacob Smith
6. Tom Rihoy
7. John Le Noury
8. Matt Creber
9. Ben Holland
10. Alec Bailey
11. Cashel Cahill
12. Connor Sullivan
13. Johan Greenburg
14. Alfie Penny
15. Callum Gladstone

16. Alan Myers
17. Hugh Birley
18. James Regnard
19. Brad Webb
20. Alex Lock
21. Diogo De Freitas
22. Dave Haimes