Here comes the coaching cavalry!

St Jacques Vikings have had to call on the playing services of several of their experienced coaching team for Saturday's clash with Trojans.

The Vikings, just like Guernsey Raiders, have been hit by a number of recent injuries which are impacting selection. Therefore Layton Batiste will lace up his boots this weekend, with fellow coaches Dan Brown & Dave McGall named amongst the replacements.

Whilst several older heads have been included, Batiste has still been able to name a well balanced side that includes a strong back-line, and several young exciting players are also included.

Full-back Gearoid Lee will play his 50th match for the club.

Trojans were on the end of a difficult away result against the unbeaten league leaders, Havant Seconds last weekend. However, whilst they have secured just one win so far this season, their home form has been considerably stronger, and this will likely make Saturday's trip a difficult encounter for the Vikings.

Last week's loss at home to Basingstoke was disappointing for St Jacques, but whilst it was a 13 point deficit, some of the rugby played by the home side was of a very high standard, and it showed huge improvement in their attack. A lot of work this week has gone in from the Sarnian side to try and fix several issues from that match, and hopefully they can show that on Saturday.

With Callum Murdoch, JP Phelan & Daniel de Kock still injured, and James Mroch, Tom Bray & Phil Le Noury all unavailable or playing for Guernsey Raiders, veteran James Webber comes into the side in the front row. He joins up with Layton Batiste and Michael Smith.

Tom Judd was in goal for the Guernsey Men's hockey side last weekend, but he makes his competitive debut for the Vikings this weekend. He is a very talented young flanker, who has been working hard in training waiting for his opportunity, which comes his way this weekend. He starts on the blind-side this week.

Joining Judd in the loose forwards is Jack Webber. The Bath University student will travel down again this weekend to form part of the Vikings side, playing on the open side flank. He is growing into a powerful player both with and without the ball, and will bring something different to the side this week. Vice-Captain Chris Croft joins him in the back-row.

Angus MacCallum has recovered from injury to return to the second row, which is helpful time as both Tom Creed & Jacob Smith are unavailable this week.

In the backs, Academy Colts co-captain Adam Giles returns to the side, fresh from steering his youth side to an away win last weekend. He plays at scrum-half, with Ben Holland unavailable. He is quickly developing in a Vikings shirt, with recent performances showing he is capable of being a good player at this level.

Captain Tom Veillard steers the Vikings ship at flyhalf, with Lucas Barker and Matt Lomas-Lloyd in the centres. They were excellent last week.

Out wide, Taylor Quate keeps his place on the wing, whilst half centurion Gearoid Lee moves to his primary full-back position. Kieran Creber returns from holiday to take Lee's vacated wing position.

Kick-off is 2pm in the UK. This match will be an opportunity for the Vikings to show if they have fixed some of their defensive issues from last week, as well as the strength in depth of their squad.