WITH two vital points at stake Super League leaders Saints face a massive injury crisis for the trip to third-placed Bradford Bulls tomorrow night, Friday, kick-off 7.30pm.

No fewer than eight players are currently under treatment ie skipper Bobbie Goulding, vice-captain Chris Joynt, Alan Hunte, Anthony Sullivan, Simon Booth, Vila Matautia, Tommy Martyn and Andy Northey.

Goulding, Sullivan and Booth are definitely ruled out, and if Joynt fails a late fitness test on his ankle damage it is likely that Saints will be led for the first time by inspirational Welsh international hooker Keiron Cunningham.

With April's Cup Final classic still fresh in mind the scene is set for another battle royal at Odsal Stadium, when Bradford will be anxious to avenge narrow defeats at Wembley and in a Super League clash at Knowsley Road.

A daunting but certainly not insurmountable task awaits Saints without doubt, and they will be seeking to uphold the belief that Odsal has proved a happy hunting ground in recent seasons, having won four of the last five games there.

The referee is David Campbell, the complete match will be televised by Sky from 7pm, and the Academy sides will meet in a curtain-raiser kick-off 4pm.

* The Alliance team will entertain Bradford Bulls tonight, Thursday, kick-off 7.30pm.

* Bobbie Goulding's 'fastest 100 goals' feat was recognised on Sunday when he was presented with an inscribed tankard by vice-chairman Tom Ellard. * Workington and Carlisle have expressed interest in Saints' Cumbrian prop Jonathan Neill, while Halifax-based Adam Fogerty is considering turning to Rugby Union with a London club.

* Saints will hold a 'St. Bernard Day' in the Superstore this Saturday, July 6, from 10.30 to 11.30am, when the winner of a painting competition for young supporters will be announced. The lucky entrant will receive a replica St. Bernard Dog and a family meal at McDonald's; second prize is a St. Bernard t-shirt and third a St. Bernard mug, and there will also be a photograph session, Puma League demonstration, spot-prizes, and chance to meet Saints' stars.

The Junior Saints will also meet and details are available from Auntie Freda on St. Helens 602253.

* Forthcoming events in the Phil Veivers testimonial include: Casino night at Saints, Wednesday, July 10. Sportsman's dinner at Saints, Wednesday, July 24. Speaker retired submarine commander Stan Taylor £15. Further information from Bernard Sweeney 892919.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.