The Vikings were undone by the Eastleigh Pirates, as they produced a poor defensive effort for large parts of the game, which they were duly punished for. Understandably head coach Layton Batiste was less than pleased.

With the ball however they fared better, as their attacking shape is starting to come together and showing real improvement. This was evidenced by the four tries scored, which secured a bonus-point.

The step up in level to Counties 1 is certainly testing the Vikings, but they are excited to play at home weekend, and hopeful of another victory. Captain Tom Veillard said:

“Understandably we were disappointed with the performance last weekend, and we know that Layts [Layton Batiste] expects better of us.”

“To Eastleigh’s credit they were a good side who punished our mistakes, but we have worked hard this week in training to fix a few areas where we fell short last week.”

“We know that we have to be better defensively. We had a had a great session with Luke Jones [Raiders defensive coach] on Tuesday, which hopefully will help us sharpen up this weekend. “

“We are excited to be playing back at home this weekend, it is great to have the home support behind us. I know we are capable of much more than last weekend, and I hope we can show that on Saturday.” Added Veillard

Whilst the Vikings have won one of their three matches thus far, Bognor come to Guernsey looking to secure their first win of the season.

They have had a difficult start to the season, but they played well against league leaders Havant Seconds last weekend, scoring four tries and coming away with a bonus point. They will no doubt be up for this clash on Saturday.

Last weekend the black-and-yellows were struggling in the backs department, with injuries, illness and unavailability impacting them, which meant they had to use some forwards in the backline.

Back at home some of those issues have been eased, with the inclusion of two very high quality players.

Scrum-half Ben Holland is ready to make his return, having last played in the Fallaize Cup in May. He has returned home from New Zealand for family reasons and will now provide the Vikings with a highly experienced half-back.

This is timely as both Dale Rutledge and now Adam Giles are injured. The latter picked up an ankle injury this week and it is not yet known how long he will be unavailable. Rutledge is due back towards the end of the year from his collarbone injury.

Luke Sayer is a former great of Guernsey Raiders, he is now one of the backs coaches for the Vikings, but this weekend he will lace up his boots once again.

With the unavailability of several players, including Taylor Quate, Ed Duerden and Gearoid Lee, who is unavailable until November, Sayer will step in at centre.

In the forwards, Dan De Kock is named back in the side, having shaken off illness that has kept him out of the last two matches. He starts at hooker, alongside Nesta Nyamakazi and JP Phelan.

Tom Creed also returns to the squad having missed last week’s match. He is an important player for the Vikings, as he brings physicality and experience to the side. He partners with Keiran Williamson in the second-row.

The theme of a big physical pack continues, as Jacob Smith, Angus MacCallum and Chris Croft complete the back-row.

Captain Tom Veillard steers the ship from his usual flyhalf position, whilst Joe Le Roux joins Sayer in the centres.

On the wings both Barney Paul and Sam Ferry start, both having missed last weekend. Paul has not played this season, but will operate as a hybrid player in both the backs and forwards this campaign.

Matt Lomas-Lloyd covers the back-field at full-back.

The Vikings know they must improve this weekend, but if they do and secure another home victory, two wins from their first four matches will be a reasonable start to life at this level.

Kick-off is 1pm, with Guernsey Raiders vs Canterbury to follow at 4pm at Footes Lane.