SAINTS make only their second trip to Australia when they jet out from Manchester to Sydney on Monday for the second leg of the World Club Championship.

They lost both games on their previous visit in 1976, and this time they will be seeking to avenge recent defeats at Knowsley Road by Auckland Warriors, Cronulla Sharks and Penrith Panthers.

Match dates are Monday, July 21 Cronulla; Friday, July 25 Auckland and Monday, August 4 Penrith, and the party is due to return to Saints on Wednesday, August 6.

Teenager Jason Johnson has been drafted into the 24-strong squad for the unfit Dean Busby, while officials travelling are director Howard Morris, chief executive David Howes, coaches Shaun McRae and Mike Gregory, physio Janette Smith and kitman Stan Wall. Details on Saints' progress Down Under can be obtained by telephoning the Newsline on 0839-664422.

Saints entertain Halifax on Sunday, kick-off 6.35, with the Academy curtain-raiser starting at 4.30pm.

Contract talks with Chris Joynt were reported to be 'on-going' as the Star went to press, while Saints have dismissed rumours they are about to sign Stuart Spruce.

Saints Alliance side lost 38-16 against Bradford Bulls at Odsal. Their points came from tries by Jason Johnson (2) and Alan Cross, while Scott Barrow kicked two goals. Saints next match is at Halifax tonight, Thursday.

The Academy team defeated Bradford 24-22 in Sunday's curtain-raiser. Tries for Saints were scored by Luke Taylor, Dave McCormack, Mark Edmundson and Craig Hyland, and Paul Wellens landed four goals.

Former Saints' stars Harry Pinner and Kevin Ward received a rapturous welcome from the crowd before Sunday's match with Bradford Bulls. They were guests of the '100 Club' and were introduced in the restaurant by master-of-ceremonies Lennie Lowe.

Lifelong Saints' supporter and 'C' stand regular Tim Aindow has died aged 80. A cousin of late Saints' winger Sonny Doyle and former Warrington star Jock Johnson, Tim was also a popular figure at the Prescot Panthers ground. The funeral is at St. Teresa's Church, Newtown, next Tuesday, July 15, at noon.

Spurred by the success of his first best-seller on Saints entitled 'The Lean Years' budding Rugby League author and Knowsley Road fan Mike Critchley has penned a highly readable follow-up.

'Return of the Saints' covers the seasons 1984-88 and with it the era of Mal Meninga and the coaching stint of Alex Murphy. A 'must' at just £1.20 the 24-page booklet is available from Mike at 180 Windleshaw Road, telephone 735480.

Saints' Past Players Association will meet their Warrington counterparts in a crown green bowling match at Greenall's club, Alder Hey Road, on Sunday, July 20, from 1pm.

Played annually and sponsored by Owens Corning, the clash is sure to produce high-class bowling, particularly from a Saints side led by Jimmy Goodier and and containing names such as Brian McGinn, 'Todder' Dickinson and Brian Glover.

A buffet will be served and any ex-player wishing to be considered for selection should ring PPA secretary Geoff Pimblett on St. Helens 24611.

The Luke Bryan testimonial appeal should receive a major boost when top group 'Penny Black' appear at Haydock Cricket Club this Friday, July 11, from 7pm. Tickets are £2.50 and are available from Linda Travis on 01942-276293 or Bernard Garner 01942-71260.

The next meeting of the Junior Saints' Club will be held at Knowsley Road on Tuesday, August 5 at 6.15pm.

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