By DENIS WHITTLE - FOURTH-placed Saints will be seeking to avoid a sixth successive defeat against leaders Wigan Warriors when they visit Central Park in a round 13 Super League clash on Sunday (July 5), kick-off 6.35pm.

The nap-hand of reverses came when Wigan inflicted a league double last season and retained the Premiership Trophy, while this term they have prevailed against Saints both in the league and in the Challenge Cup.

However, it has to be said that Wigan have handed out similar treatment to almost every other club and, although their recent record versus Saints is a daunting one, all at Knowsley Road will be hoping that number 13 is a lucky omen because, on their day, Saints are capable of beating any Super League side.

Although Tony Smith was concussed at Castleford the Warriors are expected to field the same line-up, i.e. Radlinski; Bell, Connolly, Moore, Robinson; Paul, Smith; Cowie, McCormack, Mestrov, Betts, Cassidy, Farrell. Substitutes from O'Connor, Gilmour, Johnson, Haughton, Cardiss.

Referee is Russell Smith.

Seats for the Douglas and Billy Boston (formerly Whitbread) stands are on sale at Saints, price £12; supporters coaches will leave Knowsley Road at 3.30pm, price £4.40; and the match will be screened live on Sky.

Eric Hughes returned to Knowsley Road yesterday (Wednesday) in the role of football operations manager at a time when Saints were preparing to to meet Wigan.

By a remarkable coincidence, Hughes' last game as coach with Saints was also against the Warriors. The occasion was the Regal Trophy Final played at the McAlpine Stadium, Huddersfield, on Saturday, January 13, 1996, which Wigan won 25-16 courtesy of tries by Henry Paul (2), Va'aiga Tuigamala and Kris Radlinski, while Paul (4) and Shaun Edwards (drop) were on target with the boot.

Joey Hayes, Paul Newlove and Keiron Cunningham touched down for Saints and Bobbie Goulding landed two goals.

The teams were - Wigan: Connolly; Robinson, Tuigamala, Radlinski, Offiah; Paul, Edwards; Cowie, Hall, O'Connor, Quinnell, Cassidy, Haughton. Substitutes - Smyth for Connolly (42), Dermott for Quinnell (69).

Saints: Prescott; Hayes, Gibbs, Newlove, Sullivan; Hammond, Goulding (captain); Perelini, Cunningham Pickavance, Joynt, Booth, Busby. Substitutes - Matautia for Pickavance (22), Northey for Sullivan (47).

The Past Players' Association will clash with their Warrington counterparts on the Tetley Walker bowling green, Warrington, on Sunday, July 12. The coach will leave Knowsley Road at noon and further details are available from PPA secretary Geoff Pimblett on St Helens 24611. Saints' former chief executive David Howes, who left the club a fortnight ago, has been appointed managing director of Leeds Rugby Limited, and will have joint responsibility for the business development of both the League and Union operations. Saints are to advertise for a successor to Mr Howes.

Saints are holding contract talks with Australian forward Brett Goldspink, whose outstanding form is also attracting the attentions of Wigan Warriors and Bradford Bulls.

Speedy Alliance winger Steve Hall is third in the try-scoring charts with 13. Paul Wellens is second in the goal list with 44 and also in the points ratings with 111.

Contrary to recent reports, Cronton-based utility player Karle Hammond has not withdrawn his request for a transfer and hopes to hold contract talks with Eric Hughes.

Captain Chris Joynt and the Saints players have expressed their appreciation of fans who travelled to Castleford and Sheffield. "Their support was magnificent, see you at Wigan and Swansea!"said a delighted Chris.

St Bernard's Pups will meet at the AFM Bowl on Tuesday, July 7, at 5.30pm. Further details from Aunty Freda on 602253.

Saints have cancelled the proposed package deal for the match with Wigan at Swansea on Sunday, July 26. But the Travel Club will run coaches leaving Knowsley Road in the early morning and returning after the game. Fare is £18.50.

Prizewinners in the 'Win a Trip to New York' draw were: Holiday - C. Elston (0361); TV - S.Gallagher (5760); stand passes - N. Corlett (5248), R. Mitchell (19957); balls - J. Bennett (2833), S. McCarthy (5753), P. Speakman (5490), D. Anders (9002), J. Bennett (2841); lager - S. Anders (9004), R. Allcock (5068), A. Healey (9001), E. Chadwick (9314), D. Lawrenson (0992), J. Parker (14456); whisky - M. Bridge (3670), S. Chisam (18914), W. Wilson (15635), J. Summers (6821), J. Ashton (11887), A. Hince (0702), J. Carrido (16022), J. Measures (19675), K. Lowe (18918), A. Ward (3413); wine - G. Hall (10285), D. Royle (7461), A. Parsons (12623), R. Gartside (19398), M. Farish (9008), R. Auld (18909), D. Roberts (0728), K. Bourne (2411), A. Kilgannon (7238), I. Borthwick (2344).

The promotions department are organising a golf day at Blundells Hill on Wednesday, September 3. Further details from Andy Foreman or Julie Hesketh on 758269.

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