HAVING won their last eight games, Super League leaders Saints will put thoughts of next week's Cup Final on hold when they travel to Halifax to settle an old score on Sunday, kick-off 6pm.

For it was at the daunting Thrum Hall ground in January that Saints last tasted defeat by 32-24 in the final game of the Centenary league, with their victory giving 'Fax some compensation for a 58--20 mauling at Knowsley Road in November.

Nowadays dubbed 'Halifax Blue Sox' the Yorkshire club are presently anchored in the lower regions of the table after losing all four games, so Saints' can expect an warmer reception than usual in this Super League fifth round clash.

Knowsley Road boss Shaun McRae is expected to name his line-up after Saturday morning's tactical talks and fitness reports, but Steve Prescott and Andy Northey are expected to be fit after missing the game with Bradford Northern.

The hard-pressed cosmopolitan Halifax squad could welcome back Michael Jackson, Wayne Parker and John Bentley after injury, but they will be without the suspended Paul Anderson and Graeme Hallas

The referee is John Connolly of Wigan, and the respective Academy sides of both clubs will meet in a curtain-raiser kick-off 3.30pm.

Saints Alliance team will play Halifax at Knowsley Road tonight, Thursday, kick-off 7.30pm.

Saints' home match against Castleford which was due to be played on Sunday, May 28, will now take place next day, Monday, May 29, kick-off 8pm.

Former Great Britain Test captain Mike Gregory has been released by Salford and has signed a three-year contract as assistant coach at Knowsley Road.

Wembley tickets are still on sale at Knowsley Road during normal business hours, and any remaining will be returned to the Rugby League within the next few days.

The club shop will be remain open until 8pm on Tuesday, April 23, in order than supporters can make last-minute purchases for the trip to Wembley.

Ex-Saints' coach Eric Hughes (pictured) was back at Knowsley Road on Sunday, but this time in the commentary box as summeriser for the game versus Bradford Northern. Forthcoming events in the Phil Veivers testimonial include: Wembley quiz at the Mason's Arms, Billinge, tonight, Thursday, at 8.30pm. Teams of four at £1 per member with numerous prizes at stake. Further details from 894144. Sportsman's dinners at Sprayhurst, tomorrow, Friday, and at the Golden Lion, Wednesday, May 15. Golf Day at Blundells Hill, Wednesday, June 19. More information from 892919 or St. Helens 737917.

Simon Booth has signed a new three-contract at Knowsley Road.

Rising star and hooker Keiron Cunningham made his 50th senior appearance for Saints against Bradford Bulls on Sunday.

Saints have signed Humberside-based teenage forward stars David and Dale Holdstock, who are the sons of former Hull Kingston Rovers prop Roy Holdstock.

Answer to correspondent Ray Williams, of Sutton Heath: Saints last won the Challenge Cup when they defeated Widnes by 20-5 in 1976. Saints tries came from Peter Glynn (2), Eddie Cunningham and Geoff Heaton, while Geoff Pimblett landed three conversions and dropped two goals.

The team was: Pimblett, Jones, Cunningham, Noonan, Mathias; Benyon, Heaton; Mantle, Karalius, Coslett, Nicholls, Eric Chisnall, Hull. Substitutes Glynn, James.

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