DESPERATE to leap-frog into top spot over Bradford Bulls, Saints are battling against injury problems as they prepare to face the Super League leaders at Odsal tomorrow night, kick-off 7.30pm.

As with Kevin Iro and Sonny Nickle, Tommy Martyn is suffering from ankle damage, and if he is ruled out the likelihood is that Sean Long will switch to stand-off with versatile Paul Wellens moving to scrum-half.

Paul Sculthorpe is making good progress after cartilage surgery, but will not be ready to tackle a Bradford side thirsting for avenge a 58-14 thrashing on Easter Monday, while Saints brace themselves to bounce back after two successive defeats.

Team news from Bradford is that Robbie Paul has recovered from a troublesome ankle knock, while ex-Knowsley Road favourite Bernard Dwyer is named in an 18-man Bull's squad which reads: Spruce; Withers, Naylor, McAvoy, Pryce; H. and R. Paul, Deacon; McDermott, Lowes, Anderson, Forshaw, Boyle, McNamara. Substitutes Fielden, Peacock, Dwyer, Jowitt,

Referee is Bob Connolly and Sky coverage begins at 7pm, as does that of Radio Merseyside on 1485 AM. Junior admission at Odsal is an half-price £2.50, but a voucher must be obtained at Saints. Family stand admission is £12.50 (adult) and £3.50 (accompanying junior) but these must be reserved by telephoning Carol Hirst on 01274-733899. Supporters Club coaches are fully booked.

Saints will meet Halifax at Knowsley Road next Wednesday, June 30, kick-off 7.30pm. Pilkington Under14s will play Pendle Panthers in a curtain-raiser, kick-off 5.45pm.

Pilkington Recs will mark their 50th anniversary with a parade of former players before Saints' game against London Broncos on Sunday, July 4. The parade is restricted to those who became professionals. Further details from Dave Lane on 01744-732229. Saints have appointed Chris Hiles as match-day presenter. He had a similar role with Super League's 'On the Road' roadshows and last season's Grand Final.

The Academy team defeated Wigan 44-16 at Wigan on Sunday. Tries were scored by Bithell (2), Howell (2), Taylor, Dootson, Giles and Johnstone. Braddish kicked six goals. Saints squad was: Dootson; Ross, Butler, Giles, Johnstone; Braddish, Bithell; Taylor, Hitchmough, Howell, Cunliffe, McConnell, Proudfoot. Substitutes Lester, Birkett, Simms, Bennett. Saints' Academy travel to Bradford tomorrow, Friday, kick-off 5.10pm.

The Junior Saints club will travel to Sheffield for the game against Saints on Saturday, July 9. Details from auntie Freda on 602253, who also points out that all mascots must be members of the club.

Australian forward Phil Adamson has returned to Sydney and joined Manly after being released by Saints. He was signed by football operations manager Eric Hughes last summer, but was unable to gain a regular first team place and made just three substitute appearances. Phil also played in 11 Alliance matches and scored five tries.

Answer to correspondent Ralph Tucker, of Billinge: Gary Connolly signed for Saints from Blackbrook in December 1988, and was transferred to Wigan in July 1993, for a fee of £250,000

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