A TRIO of Saints' back stars sidelined by injury are battling to be fit for the Premiership quarter-final tie at Knowsley Road on Friday, September12, kick-off 7.30pm.

Centre Alan Hunte (knee), winger Joey Hayes, (hamstring), and full-back Steve Prescott (groin) are all undergoing intensive treatment as Saints brace themselves to face the winners of the Salford versus Paris clash.

However, utility back Andy Haigh is ruled out with medial ligament damage, and although Dean Busby has had the plaster removed after a broken fibula, both he and stand-off Tommy Martyn (knee) will be missing until next season.

Premiership play-off match details are that admission is on an all-to-pay basis ie season tickets are not valid, and stand tickets price £13 will be on sale during normal business hours from Monday onwards.

For the record Saints' last won the Premiership Trophy when they defeated Wigan 10-4 at Old Trafford in 1993. Gary Connolly and Paul Loughlin scored tries and Gus O'Donnell dropped two goals, while Chris Joynt won the Harry Sunderland man-of-the-match award. Mike Forshaw scored the Wigan try.

The teams were - Saints: Lyon; Riley, Connolly, Loughlin, Hunte; Ropati, O'Donnell; Neill, Dwyer, Mann, Joynt, Nickle, Cooper (captain). Substitutes Griffiths, Veivers.

Wigan: Atcheson; Robinson, Panapa, Farrar, Offiah; Botica, Edwards (captain); Cowie, Dermott, Skerrett, Cassidy, Farrell, Clarke. Substitutes Forshaw, Gildart.

Supporters are asked to note that the superstore and offices will be closed on Saturday, September 6, as a mark of respect for the late Diana, Princess of Wales.

Saints' Super League gates dropped last season to an average of 8,823, with the comparative figure for the double-winning season of 1996 being 10,221. This represents a drop of 14 per cent, with the total attendance return being 97,000.

Utility player Paul Anderson is reported to be unsettled due to lack of first team chances, while no firm inquiries have been received for transfer-listed forwards Ian Pickavance and Chris Morley.

Saints' Academy team will face Hull at the Boulevard in a second round Challenge Cup tie on Sunday, September 7, kick-off 1.15pm. If Saints win they will entertain Wigan in the third round as a curtain-raiser to the Premiership play-off match on Friday, September 12, kick-off 5.30pm.

Winger Anthony Sullivan with 27, and Alan Hunte (25) are leading try-scorers in Super League, while Bobbie Goulding has kicked 78 goals.

Chairman Eric Ashton and vice-chairman Tom Ellard will accompany Bobbie Goulding when he appears before the disciplinary committee in Leeds today (Thursday) at 3.45pm. No further action will be taken against Derek McVey, who was placed on report against Leeds

The Past Players' Association is organising a coach trip to the Premiership Final at Old Trafford on Sunday, September 28. Seats may be booked by telephoning secretary Geoff Pimblett on St. Helens 24611.

Saints' end-of-season presentation dinner will be held at Haydock Park on Tuesday, September 23. It will be sponsored by Nevada Bobs, compere is Eddie Hemmings and a live band and disco will play for dancing. Tickets price £30 are on sale to groups or individuals, and are available from the club commercial department on St. Helens 23697.

A Sportsman's Dinner in aid of the Luke Bryan Appeal will be held at Haydock Cricket Club on Friday, September 26. Speakers are David Howes and Joe Lydon; comedian is Jimmy Carroll and compere Malcolm Lord. Tickets £20 from Linda Travis 01942-276293 or Eric Smith 601099.

Answer to correspondent Alan Riley, of Prescott: Saints signed hooker Tom McKinney from Salford in 1957 and he made his debut in the 59-5 win over Barrow at Knowsley Road on January 26. A Scotsman from the Jedforest Rugby Union club, Tom made more than 70 appearances for Saints before retiring in 1959.

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