Rugby: Vikings remain stuck in relegation fight

Wednesday 08 January 2025

St Jacques Vikings came up short against Bognor on Saturday, as they failed to take the opportunity to pull away from the relegation places.

Layton Batiste’s side were punished for their mistakes by a spirited Bognor, and were unable to match the performance levels of their last outing in December.

Pictured: The Vikings in action.

They lost 22-11.

Hopes had been high of starting the new year with a positive result, but a series of injuries to important players throughout the match, and failing to maintain possession at key moments cost the Sarnian side.

Playing on a windy day on the English south coast, Bognor had the advantage early on with the wind at their backs. They used this to good effect as they took the early lead.

Bognor were awarded a penalty from 30 metres out. The shot at goal dropped short, and St Jacques attempted to run the ball out in their own 22, but the hosts managed to cleverly intercept the ball with one hand to regain possession.

From there they piled on the pressure through their forwards and eventually scored from 5m out. The conversion was added.

Vikings then had their first sustained attack and went deep into the Bognor half.

A penalty was subsequently awarded, and Tom Veillard took the successful kick at goal.

Bognor continued to have the majority of the early momentum however. From the restart the black and yellows looked to spread the ball wide. Tom Creber made a break but the ball was turned over.

Vikings repelled Bognor for multiple phases, but a gap at the edge of the ruck eventually gave them the try scoring opportunity which they took. The conversion was pushed wide.

Jacob Smith was forced off with a knee injury, meaning Lucas Barker moved into the forwards. This dealt a significant blow to the Vikings, as he is one of their biggest threats with ball in hand.

Both sides traded blows for a period, before Vikings failed to collect a lineout on halfway. Bognor mounted a sustained assault through multiple phases, which was aided by several missed tackles by the visitors.

Eventually, the pressure told as St Jacques scrambled in defence to regain possession, the home side spread the ball wide and scored. The conversion was missed.

St Jacques were creating attacking opportunities but continued to waste them. Mistakes either at the breakdown or errant passing cost them.

Before half-time, though, the Vikings were awarded a penalty, which Tom Veillard kicked.

Pictured: The Vikings lost 22-11 to Bognor.

During the break, debutant Ewan Wakeham was brought on to the wing from the bench to try and ignite the side. He would go on to show real promise, and proved he can make an impact for the Vikings.

Early in the second-half St Jacques had a lot of possession, and early opportunities to score, but Bognor largely stayed strong in defence.

Repeated infringements eventually saw a Bognor player receive a yellow card. Following this St Jacques finally managed to cross the whitewash after spinning the ball wide to the left, with Jamie Mahy touching down.

Tom Veillard missed the conversion.

The Vikings had plenty more attacking opportunities in the second half, and they spent majority of the time in the Bognor half. Very spirited defence and a number of mistakes stopped them from scoring though.

Kieran Creber and Tom Bray both had to be removed late on due to injuries, which further hindered the Vikings.

Dale Rutledge received a yellow card towards the end of the game. From this Bognor scored their fourth try to secure the bonus point.

Pictured: The Vikings remain stuck in relegation fight.

This weekend Gosport and Fareham visit Footes Lane, as St Jacques seek to secure an all important win.

Vikings: MH Smith, Mroch, Bray, Williamson, J Smith, Mahy, Yarwood, Croft, Rutledge, Veillard, Le Prevost, Barker, T Creber, K Creber, Lee. Replacements: Wallis, Lomas-Lloyd, Wakeham.