The St Jacques Vikings took a huge step forward last weekend with an improved performance against one of the league’s top sides. However, their efforts ultimately ended in defeat.

This weekend, Layton Batiste’s team faces another tough challenge as they travel to the UK to take on Ellingham & Ringwood, who currently sit third in the table with just three losses this season. Despite the difficulty of the task, Batiste is eager for his side to rise to the occasion and build on the positives from last week.

Indiscipline proved costly against Gosport & Fareham, as repeated errors gifted the opposition territory and possession. Although the Vikings’ defense showed significant improvement, their inability to cut out penalties and mistakes ultimately led to their downfall. Reducing these errors will be a key focus as they prepare for Saturday’s clash.

The last meeting between the sides earlier this season was a hard-fought encounter at Footes Lane. The Vikings came close but fell 15-10, having spent the final moments camped on Ellingham & Ringwood’s try line without managing to convert their chances.

For this rematch, Mitchell Smith returns to the lineup after several months sidelined with a broken foot. He will partner his brother Jacob in the second row, bolstering the pack.

A fresh face joins the squad this week, with Academy graduate Josh Beasley set to make his Vikings debut in the front row. Luke Grigg, who has made a strong impression since joining the team, retains his place in the back row alongside Chris Croft and Barnaby Paul.

In the backs, Ewan Wakeham continues at scrum half, linking up with captain Tom Veillard, who moves back to flyhalf after a stint in the centres. Adam Giles is unavailable due to a Colts match, meaning Matt Lomas-Lloyd shifts back into the midfield to partner Marcus Whitfield.

Out wide, Sam Ferry earns a recall to the starting XV, joining Cam Le Prevost and Gearoid Lee in the back three.

Ellingham & Ringwood’s physicality and strength at home make this a stern test for the Vikings, but the visitors will take confidence from how closely they pushed their opponents in the reverse fixture. If they can build on last weekend’s defensive improvements and cut out the errors, they will give themselves every chance of coming away with a positive result.