STILL Super League table-toppers despite losing to second-placed Wigan, Saints will be anxious to avoid any further slip-up when they entertain lowly Leeds on Sunday, kick-off 3pm.

And an inter-county struggle which is invariably a classic will be fought with even greater intensity on this occasion as the relegation-threatened Lioners lie third from the bottom with just eight points from 13 outings.

However, Kiwi coach Dean Bell will be hoping a long-awaited revival began with last week's 25-18 victory over Castleford at Headingley, and that Leeds will re-discover the form which earned them a 20-14 win at Knowsley Road New Year's Day.

Saints' coach Shaun McRae was delaying selection until Saturday for several reasons, not least injury and midweek matches, but off the field the club will be hoping for a five-figure gate with the match not being televised.

Junior admission will include a McDonald's meal discount voucher, while accompanied children will be permitted to use a stool for a trial period.

Saints' match at Oldham will be played at Boundary Park on Friday, July 19, kick-off 7.30pm.

Tom Van Vollenhoven's surprise appearance at Central Park on Friday was by courtesy of Wigan. Said Tom: "Director John Martin telephoned me in Johannesburg the previous week to ask if I was available, and it was all laid on for me to stay from Thursday to Monday."

Saints' Past Players Association and their Warrington counterparts are to lock horns once more _ but this time in a challenge bowling match at Greenall's club, Alder Hey Road, on Saturday, July 13, from 1pm.

Captains will be Brian McGinn and Ken Kelly; players must provide bowls; a buffet will follow, and the event will be sponsored by Owens Corning and their former production manager and ex-Wigan and Saints star Jim Fairclough.

Further details may be obtained from Saints PPA secretary Geoff Pimblett on St. Helens 24611.

A Sportsman's Dinner in aid of the Gus O'Donnell kidney machine fund will be held at Saints on Friday, July 12, with speakers being Andy Gregory and Paul Forber. Tickets price £18 may be obtained from Knowsley Road or by telephoning 0151-426-0030 or St. Helens 758152. Saints are to hold a 'St. Bernard Day' in the Superstore on Saturday, July 6, from 10.30 to 11.30am, when the winner of a painting competition for anyone age 14 and under will be announced.

The lucky entrant will receive a replica St. Bernard Dog and a family meal at McDonalds; second prize is a St. Bernard t-shirt and third a St. Bernard mug, while there will also be a photograph session, Puma League demonstration, spot-prize competition and chance to meet Saints' players.

Forthcoming events in the Phil Veivers testimonial include: Race night at the Alexandra Hotel, Thursday, June 27. Ladies night at Saints, Friday, June 28, £6. Casino night at Saints, Wednesday, July 10. Sportsman's dinner at Saints, Wednesday, July 24. Speaker former submarine commander Stan Taylor. £15. Match collection at Saints versus Leeds on Sunday. Further testimonial information from Bernard Sweeney 892919.

Tickets for the game in Paris on Saturday, August 10, are now available at Saints price £10.

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