A DOZEN rugby league starlets from York are set to walk tall at Huddersfield's McAlpine Stadium thanks to the reinstated Ashes tour.

The squad of under-9s from the recently-formed York and North Yorkshire Service Area are again preparing to play in a curtain-raiser for the first Ashes Test between Great Britain and Australia, on November 11.

The talented youngsters had thought they would miss out on their big day when the Ashes tour was called off by the Kangaroos in the wake of the war in Afghanistan and threat of terrorist action.

But with the three-Test series now back on, the 12 juniors, who have been selected through their schools and trials, will get their day in the spotlight.

The youngsters, who have been training at Clifton Park, York, will play in one of two nine-a-side matches also involving teams from Humberside, Bradford and South Yorkshire, prior to the big kick-off at the Huddersfield arena.

The games will promote the work of service areas and of the Active Sports scheme, which links schools with local sports clubs, in this case rugby league clubs, and improves coaching and facilities.

YNYSA co-ordinator Martin Flynn, who is also York Wasps assistant coach, said: "We're chuffed to bits that the Rugby Football League asked us to be involved. It's a bit of recognition for what we've done so far.

"We thought we'd miss out when the tour was called off but we're obviously delighted it's been given the go-ahead."

Updated: 12:07 Thursday, October 25, 2001