CHAMPIONS and league leaders Saints will seek an eighth successive victory when they make their second appearance of the season at Belle Vue, Wakefield, on Sunday (3.30).

They will face a team deep in financial crisis, who have also lost 16 games in 22 outings, while Kiwi coach Tony Kemp has said he will leave at the end of the season.

However, a Wildcats squad including former Saints' Bobbie Goulding and Steve Prescott - plus local lad Jason Critchley - will not lack motivation.

And Chris Joynt and his men should remember that Wakefield lost by just 29-22 at Knowsley Road and 30-22 in the previous game at Belle Vue.

Saints expect that Keiron Cunningham and Tommy Martyn will be fit after suffering knocks against London but, on the downside, Paul Newlove has still not recovered from hamstring problems sustained, coincidentally, at Wakefield on June 11.

The probable Wildcats line-up is: Prescott; Sampson, Maloney, Tatupu, Critchley; Dorahy, Goulding; Masella, Speak, Stephenson, Jowitt, Field, McNamara. Substitutes Poching, Hudson, Tomlinson, Watene.

Referee is Bob Connolly, coaches leave Saints at 12.45pm price £6.50 and £8.50, and Radio Merseyside commentary by Alan Rooney is on the 14.85 wavelength from 3pm.

Saints are still confident Hull forward Wayne McDonald will join them at the end of the season, and are hopeful of retaining Kevin Iro, who continues to hold talks with football manager Eric Hughes.

With still a month to go, Saints report a massive interest in the home game against Wigan, which could decide which team tops Super League. Sponsorship has been heavily subscribed, and there have been inquiries from far and wide regarding match arrangements. However, Saints will welcome sponsorship offers for the games against Warrington and Salford. The Junior Saints trip to Wakefield on Sunday costs £5.50 for children and £6.50 adults. Non-members 4-12 welcome. The club will enter two teams at the fun day at Orrell RUFC on Monday, August 28. Details from Freda on 602253.

Liverpool St. Helens will play Caldy at Knowsley Road on Saturday, kick-off 3pm. Admission is £3 and £1. Original opponents Pwllheli cried off .

Sean Long has scored 979 points in 103 games for Saints, made up of 64 tries and 364 goals (five dropped).

Vice-chairman Malcolm Kay has denied Saints are close to an out-of-court settlement with Ellery Hanley. Mr. Kay went on to reveal that a progress report on the new stadium is imminent while, with tradition in mind, a Saints' Heritage Society chaired by historian Alex Service is to be set up. As for falling attendances, Malcolm shares my belief that television is the main villain-of-piece, and he believes Saints' are victims of their own success with so many games on the 'box.'

Turning to the thorny problem of 'selling' the club Mr. Kay reported that a locally-born young 'whizz-kid' will take up the duties of marketing executive next month.

The Academy team defeated London Broncos 14-6 at Knowsley Road on Sunday. Saints travel to Bradford on Tuesday, kick-off 7.30pm

The Independent Supporters Association has voiced its opinion on Saints' recent AGM. Their statement read: 'We were dismayed at the small attendance of around 60, which included ex-directors and staff. ISSA believe lack of interest at such a vital time in Saints' history is amazing. This apathy does not bode well for the future, and we have a number of potentially explosive issues to put to the board in the coming weeks.'

A sportsman's dinner in aid of the BARLA under-16 Australian tour will be held at Saints on Friday, October 6, from 7.30pm. Speaker is ex-Leeds and Ireland soccer star Johnny Giles, comedian Dusty Young and compere Lennie Lowe. Tickets cost £25 (table of 10 £225) and are available from tour business manager Barry Hyland on 454627.

Saints are to hold a youth development golf day at Sherdley Park and the Hilton Hotel on Wednesday, August 23.The package includes: teams of four (or three plus Saints player) in an18-hole Stableford, free balls, prizes for winner team, individual, longest drive and nearest pin. Three course meal, prize presentation and guest speaker at the Hilton. Happy hour. First team players in attendance. Discount room rate (contact hotel). Entry fee £175 per team, £50 individual. To enter telephone Saints on 23697 or Rowley Sports Management on 01942 683800.

St. Helens Vine RFC will hold a mixed dinner and casino night at the Nexus club on Thursday, August 24, when Alex Murphy and Malcolm Lord will be guest speakers. Tickets cost £20 (table of eight £150) and each one includes first £50 of 'gambling cash' free. They are available from Doug Whittle on 07 809 809 809 or 613331.

Answer to Tommy Bracken, of Eccleston: Former Ruskin Park winger and noted sprinter Sammy Clemson made two appearances for Saints in season 1956-57. These were at Workington (lost 26-3) and at home to Blackpool Borough (won 48-10).