CHALLENGE Cup holders Saints will seek to extend a six-match winning run in the competition against Hull when the Humbersiders come to Knowsley Road in a fifth-round tie on Sunday, kick-off 3pm.

For it was as long ago as 1936 that the Airlie Birds won 16-6 at the Boulevard in a first round clash, after also emerging victorious by 10-7 in a second round tie at Knowsley Road in 1926.

Saints' triumphant march since then reads: 1961: 26-9 semi-final at Odsal. 1969: 13-3 first round away. 1976: 5-3 first round away. 1981 second round 5-3 home.1984 second round 24-14 home. 1990: 24-12 away.

Referee on Sunday is Mr. Robert Connolly of Wigan. A curtain between two local schools will kick-off at 1.30pm. The quarter-final draw takes place on BBC 'Look North' on Monday at 6.55pm.

In a unique move Professional Players' Association chairman Nic Grimoldy will speak in defence of Bobbie Goulding when he appeals against his eight-match suspension in Leeds today.

The Saints' skipper will also be accompanied by club solicitor and director Howard Morris and fellow board member Eric Latham.

Speaking of his decision to withdraw a transfer request Bobbie said: "I know my contract has not been improved but at least I know I'm still wanted at Knowsley Road, and that means a great deal."

Saints are taking legal advice after being fined £15,000 following incidents in the match against Wigan. They have also acknowledged a letter from Warrington's solicitor regarding negotiations on Iestyn Harris.

Saints are quoted at 6-4 to retain the Super League title. Wigan are favourites at 5-4.

The club annual meeting will be held in the banqueting room at Knowsley Road on Monday, March 10, from 7.15pm.

Saints' are to hold an invitation-only dinner to mark the centenary of the Challenge Cup at Knowsley Road on Friday, March 21. Players and officials who were involved in Wembley appearances will be on the guest list. Sponsorship has been received from Silk Cut.

It is also intended to hold a parade of players from Saints' Wembley winning sides at the match with Castleford at Anfield on Sunday, April 28.

A Sportsman's Dinner in aid of the Gus O'Donnell kidney machine fund will be held at Stakis Hotel on Friday, April 25. Main speaker is Steve Kindon and tickets price £17.50 are available from Jimmy O'Sullivan on St. Helens 28148.

The Academy squad returned home from their Irish tour on Tuesday after bad weather delayed the return sea crossing. They defeated Bangor Vikings 46-4 and Tallaght Rangers 46-18.

The Junior Saints club will meet in the cabaret lounge at Knowsley on Monday, March 3, at 6.15pm. Further information from Aunty Freda on St. Helens 602253.

A Sportsman's Dinner in aid of teenager Luke Bryan, who was seriously injured in an amateur game, will be held at Haydock Cricket Club on Friday, April 18. Tickets price £20 are available from Linda Travis on St. Helens 733757.

The collection taken at the Saints versus Wigan match for St. Helens Schoolboys' Wembley trip raised a bumper £700. Coach Kevin Tipene sends his thanks to all who contributed.

St. Helens Referees Society will hold an open forum for fans at Saints on Thursday, March 6, from 7.30pm. Referees attending will include David Campbell, Stuart Cummings, Steve Ganson, Karle Kirkpatrick, and brothers John and Robert Connolly. Details from 0151-431-1752.

Answer to correspondent Ray Jones of Sutton Heath. Referees in Wembley finals in which Saints appeared since the Second World War were: 1953 George Phillips; 1956 Ron Gelder; 1961 Tom Watkinson; 1966 Harry Hunte; 1972 Eric Lawrinson; 1976 Ron Moore; 1978 Billy Thompson; 1987 John Holdsworth; 1989 Ray Tennant; 1991 Jim Smith; 1996 Stuart Cummings.

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