St Jacques Vikings are looking to bounce back from their opening day defeat to New Milton, when Bournemouth Seconds visit 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. They are looking to produce better in front of their home supporters this week.

The visitors were also on the losing side last week, as they suffered a heavy defeat away to Havant Seconds.

These two sides 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.

Layton Batiste has named a changed side to last weekend, as early season injuries and unavailability have impacted selection. Most notably he has named himself amongst the replacements, after both Tom Bray and Phil Le Noury have been called up 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 has been made available from the Raiders to offset their loss.

Adam Giles had his debut delayed last weekend 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 this week due to illness, but Keiran Williamson comes in. He performed excellently off the bench last weekend. 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 12pm at Footes Lane, with Guernsey Raiders vs Westcombe Park to follow at 2pm.

After the action finishes on the pitch the 80’s are returning to Footes Lane in the clubhouse. Come on down in your finest retro gear and dance the night away!