Eight-try romp for Smart’s men
EIGHT tries, seven of them converted and another big bonus-point 54-6 win for the Vikings.
All seems well for the KGV-based outfit, who seem to have the Sussex Two title at their mercy and we haven’t hit Christmas yet.
Midhurst arrived on island having held Ray Smart’s side to 34-12 at home, but with new Tongan recruit Save Tuimatanisaqa in the starting XV and former Raiders star Blair Campbell in reserve on the bench, it was always likely to be difficult for the visitors who rucked up with the bare 15 men.
The strength of the respective packs was highlighted inside three minutes as the Vikings bulldozed over after making the most of a close-range lineout.
By the interval St Jacques were 26-3 to the good and although Tuimatanisaqa had long departed to head to Footes Lane and a spectator’s view of what the Raiders are all about, there was never any doubt that the Vikings would pull further clear on a heavy pitch.
By the end skipper Jim Regnard had two tries to his name, while Mitch Smith, Brad Webb, Johan Greenberg, Cashel Cahill, Lucas Barker and Phil Le Noury had all scored tries.
Matt Lomas converted four tries before leaving the pitch injured and Dave Haimes added three as his kicking replacement.
