WITH six weeks still to go before Saints' big Silk Cut Challenge Cup Final date Wembley fever is already mounting in the town, with ecstatic fans besieging the Knowsley Road ground for tickets.Despite bitterly cold weather long queues formed from as early as 8am on Wednesday morning, when tickets went on sale at to season ticket holders, who are entitled to two each, and this arrangement will continue today, Thursday, and Friday from 9am to 7pm.

Four official travel package deals are also on offer, and these can be booked on Saturday and Sunday from 10am-4pm and Monday from 9am-5pm, but it is emphasised that there will be no sale of tickets on these dates.

The quartet of exclusive trips are:

The Goulding Popular offering executive coach and overnight stay in the outskirts of London price £65.

The Newlove Centre deal is similar but accommodation will be in the capital at £85.

The Joynt Express is a rail package at £55 first class or £35 second class, and will leave St. Helens Central for Wembley Central.

The Sullivan Flyer is by executive coach from Knowsley Road at £23.

Supporters' Club members can purchase their tickets on a one-for-one basis during normal office hours on Saturday, while the rest of Saints' total allocation of 14,000 tickets will go on sale on Wednesday, March 20, from 4-7pm.

Latest Wembley details are that Saints will play in their red-and-white Super League strip and supporters will be at the tunnel end of the stadium, while chief executive David Howes was checking on hotel accommodation in London on Wednesday.

Radio Merseyside will present a Rugby Forum at Saints on Monday, March 25, at 7.30pm, with tickets available at Knowsley Road price £3. The panel will include Bobbie Goulding, Sean McRae, Adam Fogerty PICTURED) and David Howes, and a donation will be made to the Gus O'Donnell appeal fund.

Saints' have issued an 'hands off Scott Gibbs' warning to Newcastle Rugby Union Club, who are reported to have signed the former Welsh international to play in the Courage League next winter.

Forthcoming events in the Phil Veivers testimonial include: Race nights at Parr Oddfellows (March 15), Cricketers Arms (March 26), British Sidac (March 29). Hypnotic Evening at Saints (March 22) £4. Easter Bingo at Saints (March 27) 50p.

Further details from St. Helens 737917 or 892919.

Shaun McRae and David Howes are included on the panel of a Sports Forum to be held at St. Helens Cricket Club on Friday, March 22, at 8pm. Tickets price £3, including hot-pot, can be obtained from Geoff Cropper on St. Helens 758870.

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