Guernsey Raiders play a crunch game against Wimbledon tomorrow [27 January] in National 2 East (ko 3pm ko), while St Jacques Vikings look to continue the good form in Counties Two Hampshire against Millbrook (ko 12.30).

Raiders are keen to create more daylight in the league between themselves and the relegation places against the Dons.

Wimbledon sit in 12th in the 14 team league, one place below Guernsey and five points back having played one game more.

Back in September, Raiders left Wimbledon with a 34-22 win.

Vikings will begin the action against Millbrook.

Their win against Locks Heath Pumas last week left them second in the league, six points off leaders Sandown & Shanklin with one game in hand.

“We always knew Locks Heath were going to challenge us with their big physical runners, they caused a few problems but it was a massive win for us,” said captain Matt Lomas.

“It gives us momentum with four massive games coming up, This week against Millbrook, and then against US Portsmouth, Basingstoke and Sandown & Shanklin as well.”

Millbrook lost to the league leaders 24-10 last week.

Last time the two sides met, St Jacques did just enough to win 22-21.

There are several changes to the St Jacques, with both Charlie Simmonds and Tom Ceillam returning to the Raiders. Taylor Quate is also ruled out through injury with others unavailable.

But Dan Rice and JP Phelan have been made available to the Vikings from the Raiders and they start at flyhalf and at prop respectively.

Second row Keiran Williamson was rested last time, but he makes a return to partner with Tom Creed in the Vikings engine room.

Jacob Smith moves to No 8. with Angus MacCallum and Tom Yarwood on the flanks. Mitch Smith is given a partial rest and is named among the replacements.

Tom Veillard starts at scrum-half as he partners with Rice in the half-backs. In the centres Will Creber returns from Colts duty, Ed Duerden joins him in a new look midfield.

In the outside backs, Kieran Creber has shaken off a leg injury to return on the wing.

A new name on the team-sheet is Courtney Sargent, he has recently moved to the island and gets an early chance in St Jacques colours on the wing.

Matt Lomas will lead the side from fullback, whileCorey Wallis and Ivan Donaldson make up the replacements.

Looking ahead to the contest, Lomas said: “Earlier on in the season Millbrook were a very physical side. They tested us a lot in the forwards and their centres were strong too. I am sure they’ll bring the same again, I hope they do, because we want to be playing the best rugby we can and the most challenging rugby we can.

“If they bring that intensity they did against us last time, then it should be a good game, hopefully a good game for the fans as well.”

Vikings: Tom Bray, James Mroch, JP Phelan, Tom Creed, Keiran Williamson, Angus MaCallum, Tom Yarwood, Jacob Smith; Tom Veillard, Dan Rice, Courtney Sargent, Will Creber, Ed Duerden, Kieran Creber, Matthew Lomas (c). Replacements: Ivan Donaldson, Corey Wallis, Mitchell Smith.

On Sunday, Guernsey Raiders Ladies play at home to second-placed Horsham at 13:00.