THIS weekend's open date could prove a blessing in disguise for Saints, because it should give them chance to have the 'walking wounded' fit for the first home game with Gateshead Thunder on Sunday, March 21.

And they received a big boost this week when hooker Keiron Cunningham was given the all-clear after suffering elbow damage at Leeds, while skipper Chris Joynt (ankle) and Sonny Nickle (ribs) continue to make good progress.

Western Samoan Apollo Perelini and fellow countryman Vila Matautia were both in the wars at Salford, but here again a lot can happen healing-wise in the next nine days.

With just one season under his belt at Knowsley Road 19-year-old Mark Edmondson could not believe his ears when Ellery Hanley phoned to tell him he was on the bench at Salford. A 6ft 2in 14 stone forward, Morecambe-based Mark is a former England Rugby Union schoolboy international and also played for the Vale of Lune club.

A 'hi-tech' blip caused Hanley and John Myler to do a speedy flit from their vantage spot in the main stand during the first half at Salford. The problem lay with their walkie-talkie radios and, as Ellery said, it was vital that lines of communication remain open.

Paul Sculthorpe was cleared by the disciplinary committee after being placed on report at The Willows.

The Alliance side lost 28-18 to Salford Reds at Knowsley Road on Friday night. Saints' tries were scored by Warren Barrow (2), and Mark McCulley, who also kicked three goals. John Stankevitch was Saints' man-of-the-match while ex-Knowsley Roader Phil Waring scored two tries for the Reds. Saints' team was: McCulley; Camman, Cunliffe, Cross, W. Barrow; Johnson, Robinson; P. Haigh, Hamilton, Edwards, Stankevitch, Bennett, Newall. Substitutes Braddish, Butler, Taylor, Pimblett. Saints travel to Leeds on Saturday, kick-off 7.30pm. Saints considered bringing forward the home game with Halifax - which is scheduled for June 23 - to this Sunday, but abandoned the idea due to the time factor involved.

Full-back Dave Lyon, who left Saints in 1995 to play Rugby Union with Orrell, is reported to be a candidate for a position on the coaching staff at Knowsley Road.

Saints are looking for a new sponsor to replace the Pilkington Foundation, which expires next month. It has donated £25,000 per season for junior development, with Sportsmatch contributing a similar amount.

Liverpool Reserves will play Everton Reserves at Knowsley Road next Tuesday, kick-off 7.30pm.

Ex-Saints star Andy Northey took a break from Rugby Union with Northampton to don the head-phones when he summarised the game for Radio Merseyside alongside commentator Alan Rooney at Salford on Sunday.

Ex-Leigh, Warrington and Huddersfield Giants 'stats man' Dave Parr has joined Saints, who will now enjoy the benefits of his hi-tech system. He will work in tandem with current statistician Brian Collins.

Answer to correspondent Les Murray, of Windle: Glyn Moses made 258 appearances and scored 44 tries for Saints between 1952-1960. Austin Rhodes made 266 appearances, scored 98 tries and kicked 816 goals for a total of 1926 points between 1954-1969

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