SUPER League leaders Saints are determined that round 13 will not prove an unlucky omen when they travel to Halifax Bluesox on Sunday, kick-off 3pm.

And Saint have good reason to be confident, having won 11 of their 12 games as opposed to Fax, who have just five victories in 11 outings as well as being beset with financial problems.

Team news from Knowsley Road is that Paul Sculthorpe - who suffered cartilage damage against Warrington - has entered hospital for surgery, but otherwise the line-up at The Shay is expected to be the same as that which defeated the Wolves.

Referee is Mr. S. Nicholson. The Academy game starts at 12.55pm Supporter's Club coaches will leave Knowsley Road at 1pm. Fare is £6 members and £6.50 non-members.

Saints are selling car window flags - which normally cost £9.99 - for £8.50 for the trip to Halifax. And there will be a £50 prize for one lucky number plate owner who flies the flag en-route to The Shay.

Saints Past Players' Association will link up with their Halifax counterparts on Sunday. The coach leaves Knowsley Road at noon and seats can be reserved by contacting secretary Geoff Pimblett on St. Helens 24611. Paul Forber will be guest speaker at the PPA annual dinner at Saints on Friday, June 11.

Saints have announced revised fixture details as follows: Wigan, home, Sunday, June 20, kick-off 6.35pm. Halifax, home, Wednesday, June 23, to be rearranged. Bradford Bulls, away,

Friday, June 25, kick-off 7.30pm.

The Academy team lost 20-38 to Warrington at Knowsley Road on Sunday.

A ladies' wristlet watch was found near the ground after the game with Warrington. It may be claimed by contacting me at the Star on 611861.

Rising centre star Alan Cross scored a hat-trick as the second-placed Alliance side kept up the pressure on Hull with 41-24 win at Warrington. The other Saints' touchdowns came from Warren Barrow, John Stankevitch, Brian Capewell and Paul Haigh. Mark McCulley kicked six goals and Craig Robinson dropped one. Saints play Halifax tonight, Thursday, at Knowsley Road, kick-off 7.30pm.

Supermarket giants Asda are the new sponsors of the family stand at Saints, with the official opening taking place before the game with Salford on Sunday, June 6.

Saints will face Castleford in a 'desert storm' match in Dubai in January. 'Cas' stepped in following the withdrawal of St. George-Illawarra.

The Woolworth-sponsored Junior Saints Club will meet at Knowsley Road on Tuesday, June 2, at 6.15pm.

Local photographer Brian Peers is currently exhibiting sepia shots of Saints of a bygone era at the Art Shop, Claughton Street. The side that faced Widnes at Wembley in 1930 is included in the masterpieces. Framed copies may be ordered and more information may be obtained from Brian on 88-4536.

Full-back Derek Bellard, of Lester Drive, Eccleston, who played for Saints in the late 1940s, has died aged 73. Cremation takes place tomorrow, Friday, at 3.30pm.

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