SAINTS are facing an injury crisis as they brace themselves to tackle the Tigers of Castleford in the Wheldon Road Jungle on Sunday (kick-off 6.35pm).

For a Saints' side hoping to stretch their winning run to eight games could lack Sean Long, Paul Wellens, Sonny Nickle and John Stankevitch, who were injured in the win over Huddersfield-Sheffield.

Coach Ian Millward's problems are compounded by the ongoing absence of the unfit Paul Newlove (calf), Paul Atcheson (shoulder) and Vila Matautia (broken arm).

However, there is better news on Paul Sculthorpe, who is making good progress after damaging his hip against Halifax, and could come into the reckoning at Castleford.

Cas were lying in fifth place with eight points from seven games as the Star went to press. Ex-Saint Danny Arnold is expected to turn out against his former club

The match will be screened live on the Sky channel, and Supporters' Club coaches will leave Knowsley Road at 4pm, with the fare being £6.50 (members), £8.50 (non-members).

The Academy team defeated Huddersfied-Sheffield Giants 38-8 at Knowsley Road on Monday. They travel to Castleford on Sunday, kick-off 4pm.

Fancy joining the Saints' lottery and associated competitions? Then ring commercial manager Lee Cummins on 757905. The Past Players' Association will hold their 21st annual dinner in the cabaret lounge on Friday, June 9, from 7.15pm. Speaker is Neil Holding, comedian Norman Prince and master-of-ceremonies Lennie Lowe. Tickets cost £18 from PPA secretary Geoff Pimblett on 24611.

Test and Welsh international winger Anthony Sullivan made his 250th appearance for Saints against Huddersfield-Sheffield Giants, while prop Julian O'Neill played his 100th game in a Saints' shirt.

Tickets for the England v Russia World Cup match at Knowsley Road on Wednesday, November 1 are now bookable. Telephone 0870 444 2000 or e-mail www.ticketmaster.co.uk.

Former Saints' and Warrington scrum-half Ken Kelly is now membership secretary of the Wolves Past Players Association. Anyone entitled to join is invited to contact Ken at 40 Mitchell Road, Toll Bar, St. Helens WA10 3EX.

The Supporter's Club have issued advance notice of coach travel to London on Friday, May 12. Departure time from Knowsley Road is noon and the fare is £16.50 members and £18.50 non members.

Saints will hold an extraordinary meeting of shareholders in the Alan Prescott Suite, Knowsley Road, on Monday, May 22, from 7.15pm. Shares and developments on the new ground will be the main items on the agenda. The next 'First Friday' dinner will be held at the St. Helens Hilton hotel tomorrow, Friday, at 12 noon. Speaker is coach Ian Millward and comedian Mickey Gunn. Further details from Helen Lawrenson on 23697.

A race night in aid of the testimonial fund of former Saints and now Salford hooker Mark Lee will be held at the Black Bull, Knowsley Road, on Sunday, May 7, from 8.30pm.

At long last! So said ex-Saints stalwart and local lad Bernard Dwyer after winning a Challenge Cup Final winner's medal with Bradford Bulls at Murrayfield. 'Barney' had previously picked up four loser's gongs with Saints and Bradford and was in danger of equalling Paul Loughlin's five. Said the delighted Dwyer: 'Many Saints' supporters sent me messages of good luck and congratulation and I would like to thank each and every one of them.'

Saints will hold another fund-raising mixed dinner at Knowsley Road on Friday, May 26, from 7.30pm. MC is Alan Rowley and comedian Paul Boardman. Tickets cost £20 from director Joe Spencer or Jimmy O'Sullivan on 28148.