IT was a good day for the debutants as Widnes Vikings beat Castleford Tigers 32-10 in a pre-season friendly at the DCBL Stadium.

No less than four of the Vikings’ off-season recruits got themselves on the scoreboard as Tim Sheens’ men comfortably got the better of an understrength Tigers outfit.

Sheens selected a run-on side that will likely be similar to the one that takes the field at Oldham when the Championship season kicks off on February 2.

And with plenty of new faces on show, it gave Widnes fans a chance to run the rule over the players they’ll be cheering on in 2020.

Jake Spedding started at right centre with Deon Cross outside him on the wing. Logan Tomkins was the choice for dummy-half with Kenny Baker and Pat Moran at second row and loose forward respectively.

A lengthy bench included Matty Smith, Connor Dwyer and Liam Cooper.

After the game Tim Sheens said he was pretty happy with the win but was not getting carried away given the make-up of the Castleford team.

Sheens said: “I was happy with the direction and performance of the group – we worked hard, with Pat Moran playing the whole of the first 40 at 13.

“We have got solid looking pack – I am happy with that and we still have a couple to come back in.”

Vikings started the game with Danny Craven and Joe Lyons in the halves, and he introduced new signing Smith from the bench.

It has given him food for thought, although he seems minded to start the campaign with the experienced Smith at seven.

“I am very happy to have three options at half back in a long season – Joey got the start because he has been training from day one. Smithy came in late just before Christmas and I only wanted to give him half a game.

“It is better to have more choices than not.

“Our spine was creative and our kicking game was pretty solid.

“There are a couple of options – with Smithy’s experience I would be surprised if he didn’t start.

“But lots of things can happen,” he said,

Sheens also indicated that the club were still looking to strengthen the squad, and is seeking props in particular.

“I wouldn’t mind another front row option. There are always two injured, two playing and two suspended. We ran out of props when I was at Hull KR last year and I don’t want that to happen again. We’ll look to recruit there but that’s not essential for the first game.”