COLLEGE fixtures forced Widnes into several changes for this annual fixture and highlighted the advantage of having a large squad as it could be a fairly regular situation this season.

All of the Widnes forwards deserve a mention particularly Lyon and Ben Hazard who led the likes of McCann and Fenney to enable excellent backs French and Barrett the freedom to attack out wide.

The versatile Highfield took one such chance and this put Widnes in a half time lead.

O'Neill and halfback partner McDermott worked well together and O'Neill offered the bonus of great out of hand kicking, as well as goal kicking of the highest order.

Cookson was having his best game of the season at fullback counter attacking with good effect.

As the second half wore on Critchley and Moss with support from Duffy, Wilde and Dennett began to take the control of the game in the Colts favour.

In the last quarter Bradford and McGreevey with Goulden were introduced to take Widnes to a deserved victory.