Rugby: Vikings look to bounce back

Friday 13 September 2024

St Jacques Vikings are looking to bounce back from their opening day defeat to New Milton, when they host Bournemouth Seconds at Footes Lane tomorrow.

The black and yellows were below par last weekend in the New Forest, where they surrendered an early lead to come up short late on.

The visitors were also on the losing side in their opening fixture as they suffered a heavy defeat away to Havant Seconds. 

These two clubs last met in 2022, when they competed in the Raging Bull Shield, and that contest was a real see-saw battle which eventually ended up 19-19 at Footes Lane. 

Since then they have been plying their trade in the main RFU leagues, and after two seasons meet again.

Vikings head coach Layton Batiste has named a changed side to last weekend, as early season injuries and unavailability have impacted selection. 

Most notably he is among the replacements, after both Tom Bray and Phil Le Noury were called up to the Guernsey Raiders. 

He is not the only Batiste included, as his brother Jason also makes a return to rugby. The former Raiders centre has been out of the game for two years, but he is vastly experienced and slots straight into the centres. 

Matt Lomas-Lloyd, Taylor Quate and Joe Le Roux are all unavailable this week, but Niall McGann comes in from the Raiders to offset their loss. 

Adam Giles had his debut delayed due to a registration issue, but this week the young Guernsey Academy Colt finally gets his chance. He is at scrum-half and partners with his captain Tom Veillard in the halfbacks. 

Dan De Kock is also absent due to illness, but Keiran Williamson comes in. He performed excellently off the bench against New Milton. Tom Creed partners with him in the second row. 

In the front row Corey Wallis starts alongside James Mroch and the returning JP Phelan. This was a trio that played on several occasions last season and should provide a powerful base to build off. 

Kick-off is 12:00 at Footes Lane, with Guernsey Raiders vs Westcombe Park to follow at 14:00.

Vikings: Corey Wallis, James Mroch, JP Phelan, Tom Creed, Keiran Wiliamson, Angus MacCallum, Chris Croft, Jacob Smith; Adam Giles, Tom Veillard, Sam Ferry, Jay Batiste, Niall McGann, Cam Le Prevost, Kieran Creber. Replacements: Layton Batiste, Mitchell Smith, Marcus Whitfield.