WHELDON Road, Castleford, may be the scene of Saints' Grand Final play-off moment of truth when they tangle with the Tigers on Sunday, kick-off 3.30pm.

The Knowsley Road side are currently hanging on to a crucial top-five spot by the skin of their teeth so victory is vital, otherwise Cas, Salford, London or Warrington could leap-frog above them.

As ever in the cut-throat world of Super League, a Saints team seeking to avoid a third successive defeat will have it all to do against a Cas squad boosted by last weekend's rousing win at Salford.

The Castleford line-up is expected to remain unchanged ie: Gay; Chapman, Mather, Critchley, Wells; Maloney, Ford; Sampson, Davis, McKell, Tallec, Harland, Vowles. Substitutes Sykes, Orr, Smith, Benn.

Referee is Bob Connolly, the Academy game kicks-off at 4.30pm, and Saints' Travel Club are laying on coach transport price £7, leaving Knosley Road at 12.30pm.

Talented stand-off Scott Barrow was man-of-the-match when Saints' Alliance side defeated Salford 23-14 at Knowsley Road. Barrow scored a try, as did Jason Johnson, Alan Cross, Gareth Price and Paul Wellens, who also kicked a conversion and drop goal. The league leaders' line-up was: Johnson; Hayes, Stewart, Cross, Hall; S. Barrow, Wellens; Mathison, Hamilton, Capewell, Anderson, Stankevitch, Newall. Substitutes W. Barrow, Price, P. Haigh, Cammann. Attendance 500.

Next match is at Huddersfield tonight, Thursday, kick-off 7.30pm.

Saints' have agreed two-year shorts sponsorship deal with motor insurance company Accident Claims Assistanc (ACA), which is owned by Knowsley Road 100 Club member Fred Berry. Utility back Anthony Stewart has submitted a transfer request due to lack of first team chances. Ironically he was on the substitute's bench against Leeds but was not called upon.

The Academy team lost 48-6 to Leeds with their try being scored by John Braddish and the conversion by Dave Cunliffe. Team: Giles; Proudfoot, McCully, Cunliffe, Laughton; Peet, Hitchmough; Burgess, McConnell, Brough, Holdstock, Jonkers, Braddish. Substitutes Butler, Edmondson, Smith, Loughlin.

Saints' Past Players Association will hold their annual dinner in the cabaret room, Knowsley Road, tomorrow, Friday at 7.15pm.

Saints development executive Nick Halafihi has been appointed coach to the Yorkshire Academy squad.

Teenage half-back Paul Wellens is leading the Alliance League goal-kicking chart with 43.

Saints' former utility star Andy Northey, who is now playing Rugby Union with Northampton, was among the crowd at Knowsley Road on Sunday.

No offers had been received by Saints for transfer-listed Karle Hammond as the Star went to press. 'Win a trip to New York for two' raffle tickets are on sale at the Superstore price £1. Many other prizes are up for grabs, and the draw will be made at the Salford match on June 28.

Saints will hold another of their mixed-sex Sporting Soirees at the Haydock Thistle Hotel on Thursday, June 25, from 7.30pm. Speaker is Eric Jones and comedian Mike Farrell. Tickets price £30 are available from Andy Foreman and Julie Hesketh on 758269.

Saints fans looking for a suitable present for Father's Day on June 21 need look no further than North West Video and their award-winning tapes 'The Saints Go Marching On' price £14.99 and 'Rugby's Coming Home £9.99.

Both are available from Ron Lee on St. Helens 29976.

Travel Club arrangements for the game against Wigan at Swansea on Sunday, July 26, are: Leave Knowsley Road early Sunday morning for sightseeing. Return after match. Cost £18.50. Stands £12 and £10. Ground £8. juniors with adult £1. juniors/senior citizens £4.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.