Match Preview

The Vikings face the biggest threat to their unbeaten record on Saturday, as second placed Barns Green roll into town looking to close the gap at the top of Sussex Two.

Both teams have had an exceptionally strong season so far, with the visitors only loss coming against the Vikings back in October, losing 28-6 in the UK. On that occasion the match was played in horrible weather and it is likely to be a repeat of those conditions on Saturday, which may well lead to a forward dominated tussle between the sides. The Vikings won the battle up front the last time it was played out as Mitch Smith & James Regnard both produced strong performances which helped lay platform for the Vikings win.

Ray Smart has Lucas Barker unavailable for the match, with the inside centre off island this weekend. Blair Campbell was in line to replace him, but with the Raiders injury crisis he is required down at Footes Lane this weekend, therefore Callum Gladstone. They are able to welcome back regular captain Leon Gardner who has recovered from a head wound which required several stitches, and he starts at hooker with James Mroch dropping to the bench.

The impressive Mark Johnson will play his last game for the side on the openside flank, before he returns to New Zealand as his time is up in the island. He forms part of an impressive back-row joining up with two of the Vikings key performers no 8 James Regnard and Mitch Smith on the blindside. With Mitch moving to the backrow, his brother Jacob returns to the second-row after travelling with the Raiders last weekend.

Nico Alexandre starts his first game since dislocating his shoulder against Worthing Azurians back in October, and he will partner fly-half Matt Lomas in the halfbacks. Alexandre played 30 minutes last week from the bench against Holbrook, and this week he will be tasked with getting good ball out to the backs in expected testing conditions.

Joe Le Roux returns to the side on the left wing after missing out last week, and he will partner up with Dave Haimes at fullback and Cam Le Prevost on the opposite wing. Leon Collenette moves from fullback to outside centre this week. There is also a return to the squad for last season player of the year Taylor Quate this weekend who has overcome a knee injury and will potentially make his return from the bench.

After some inconsistent performances from his side in recent weeks, Smart will be hoping they bring their ‘A’ game this weekend against likely the toughest opponents they have faced at home this season.

Kick off is 1.30pm at the KGV, and we would really value your support.

The Raiders play this week against Henley at 3.30pm, so why not make Saturday a day of rugby with two massive games. We wish the best of luck to the Raiders and Ladies this weekend.

Squad

A Myers
L Gardner
N Ashplant
B Webb
J Smith
M Smith
M Johnson
J Regnard
N Alexandre
M Lomas
J Le Roux
C Gladstone
L Collenette
C Le Prevost
D Haimes

J Mroch
B Paul
T Creed
C Croft
A Lock
C Cahill
T Quate