SAINTS are just 80 minutes away from a cup final date at Twickenham, but they are facing a race against time to get captain Chris Joynt and winger Anthony Sullivan fit for Saturday's semi-final showdown against Leeds at Wigan (3pm).

Joynt damaged an ankle at London while Sullivan was missing with groin trouble and both are undergoing intensive treatment, but they are rated "extremely doubtful" by coach Ian Millward.

On a happier note, Ian reported that Paul Sculthorpe, who broke his jaw six weeks ago, suffered no reaction after his comeback at The Valley.

Vila Matautia, who this week announced he was to retire at the end of the season citing disillusionment with the way he is treated by referees, has served his suspension and is due to play in the Alliance side at Leeds tonight (Thursday).

The Samoan could come into contention for a place as Saints bid to reach the first-ever Challenge Cup Final held at Twickenham.

The Rhinos will be hoping to make a third successive appearance in the final, while Saints last reached that stage in 1997, and they have a double score to settle with Leeds after losing in the first round at Headingley in the past two seasons.

Another incentive for Saints is that the majority of the squad have never played in a Challenge Cup Final, including Paul Wellens, Sean Hoppe, Steve Hall, Sean Long, Peter Shiels, David Fairleigh, Wayne McDonald, John Stankevitch, Tim Jonkers, Anthony Stewart and Paul Sculthorpe.

The JJB Stadium has proved a happy hunting ground for Saints of late but Leeds have found it a graveyard having never won there.

Probable Leeds team is: Mullins; Cummins, Carroll, Walker, Pratt; Sinfield, Harris; Fleary, Diskin, McDermott, Clyde, Farrell, Hay. Substitutes: Mathiou, Liddell, Jones-Buchanan, Calderwood.

Referee is Russell Smith.

Saints' decision to release Darrell Trindall following an £45,000 out-of-court settlement has been defended by chairman Howard Morris. He said: "Trindall was not fit when he arrived, and a decision by the board and coaching staff was made based on medical evidence. We deny that the total cost is £100,000".

Meanwhile chief executive Malcolm Kay has backed the plan for Saints to play Leicester in a cross-code match. "It is an intriguing idea and we would be interested if a date could be agreed and we get clearance from the Rugby League", he said.

A RL forum for Anthony Sullivan's testimonial and Willowbrook Hospice will be held at Saints on Tuesday, April 3, starting at 7.30pm. Tickets, price £5, are available from Saints or the Hospice office in Claughton Street.

The Alliance side defeated London Broncos 42-32 at Moss Lane. Tries were scored by John Simms (2), Mark Edmondson (2), Ray Doolan (2), Chris Hill and Gareth Haggerty. John Braddish kicked five goals.

The Academy team play London Broncos at the Army Stadium, Gillingham, on Saturday, kick-off 2.30pm.

Forward prospect James Graham, who is on Saints' books, has been chosen in the Great Britain under-15 squad to play France at Hull over Easter.