Layton Batiste’s side produced their best showing under his tenure so far, running in eight tries in front of their Footes Lane supporters.

The Vikings were led from the front by former Guernsey Raider & now assistant coach, Luke Sayer, who scored three tries. He demonstrated that he is still a player of great quality, who can add definitely aide the Vikings’ side when required.

Batiste had named a team that was full of power, and the return of Dan De Kock, Tom Creed plus a debut for Nesta Nyamakazi helped provide an excellent platform for the Vikings to build off.

It was Nyamakazi that got the first score of the afternoon as he powered his way over from short range. Tom Veillard missed the conversion.

Bognor replied instantly though, as they went to the opposite end to score a converted try.

Their lead would not be held for long however, as the home side were quickly back on the attack and found space. A penalty was awarded and the Vikings kicked into the Bognor 22. From there Jacob Smith got the ball and bludgeoned his way through several defenders to score an unconverted try.

St Jacques were now playing with real intent, stretching Bognor’s defence, as they moved the ball across the pitch.

A series of strong carries from Jacob Smith and Chris Croft had got the Vikings just outside the visitors 22. Going through several controlled phases, eventually Sayer found himself in space as he burst through to score his first try of the afternoon. Veillard converted.

The Vikings were calm but effective in defence, repelling Bognor consistently and turning over the ball at important times.

Following a penalty infringement at a scrum near half-way, the Vikings were awarded a penalty.

The ball was kicked just into the 22. From there the home side caught the ball at the lineout and impressively drove over from 15m out, with Dan De Kock touching down. The try was converted.

Bognor scored their second try of the afternoon shortly after, as they reminded the Vikings of their ability. This came following a penalty, which they quickly took and displayed good hands to find enough space to drive over for a converted score.

Another excellent set move from a scrum had the Vikings powering into the Bognor 22, as they impressively moved the ball from right to left. Scrum-half Ben Holland was tackled illegally and a penalty followed.

The home side took a tap penalty, and Nyamakazi nearly powered over for his second. He was stopped on the line, but Bognor could do nothing to stop Creed from scoring.

Before the break Sayer scored his second. This time it came following a massive defensive scrum for his side, where they managed to turn the ball over. It was quickly spread wide, and once into his hands he ran hard to burst through the would-be tackle and score. Veillard converted.

The second half did not start so brightly for St Jacques, as a galvanised Bognor made their lives difficult, forcing mistakes and repelling the black-and-yellows.

The visitors then narrowed the gap with a powerful try, but the Vikings still had a healthy lead.

That lead would become even shorter though as they scored another try, to secure the bonus point. Bognor displayed some strong play as they worked hard to get into the Vikings 22. From short range again they powered over under the posts.

With now only a 10 point lead, the next score would really count. Thankfully this went the way of the Vikings as Sayer once again stepped up.

Following a poor clearance kick from the visitors, the Vikings had a lineout 30m out. They won the ball and began a series of phases between the backs and the forwards, as they impressively moved the ball and kept it alive. After about 8 phases the ball was back in Sayer’s hands, and he weaved his way through the defence on the left hand side to score a great team try.

St Jacques had the last say as they scored their 50th point of the afternoon.

Batiste’s side had another a prolonged period of attack where they once again went through multiple phases. With the Bognor defence having to work hard to keep them out, Jacob Smith ran an excellent short line 8m out and they could do nothing to stop him dotting down under the posts. Veillard added the conversion.

This was a much improved performance from St Jacques, as they showed excellent control and vastly improved defence.

The Vikings now have a rest week, before they travel to Gosport & Fareham, where they will be looking to build on this performance.