St Jacques Vikings know they must produce a much improved performance than they did against Midhurst last Saturday at Footes Lane, when Plumpton visit the KGV this Saturday.

The black and yellows really struggled to get going in their last outing, and had to hang on for a very narrow victory. They have played some excellent attaching rugby at times this season, but nothing came off for Steve Melbourne’s side last week. He will be expecting a much improved showing from his side this week, against an opposition who have already beaten the Vikings this season.

Plumpton are currently third in Sussex Division Two, and are only one point behind the Vikings who are second. The visitors have been one of the form teams all season, and this clash will be massive in deciding where the Vikings finish come the end of the season, they know victory is vital.

Steve Melbourne has no Colts available at his disposal this week, as they play on Sunday morning also at the KGV. However his options are boosted by the return of Connor Sullivan and Taylor Quate, both of whom start.

The Vikings have named a reworked backline, that sees Callum Gladstone and Connor Sullivan start in the centres. Dave Haimes returns at fly-half after missing the past few games, and he partners Johan Greenberg who continues at scrum-half. Taylor Quate returns at fullback, joined by Cashel Cahill and Dave Horscraft on the wings.

In the forwards Nico Ashplant starts in the front row with skipper Leon Gardner and Alan Myers. The Smith brothers are in the second row, with Alfie Penney, Alex Lock on the flanks and James Regnard again starts at no 8.

On the bench James Mroch, Hugh Birley, Luke Skovronek and Tom Rihoy provide the forwards cover, with Alec Bailey and Billy Wickham providing the backs cover.

Kick off is 14.15 at the KGV.

We would really value your support for potentially the biggest game of the season so far. This is expected to be an excellent clash, and the Vikings are hoping it is them who comes out on top at full time.