Rugby player Byron Odell said: "I do" in a Dunstable church at 1.30pm on Saturday, September 20 - then dashed to the Dunstablians ground with his best man for a 3pm kick-off!

Understanding bride Sarah Male followed in a coach packed with wedding guests to cheer on her new husband, who swopped his wedding finery for his rugby kit.

Radiant Sarah, 27, still in her gorgeous wedding gown, watched as Byron, 24, best man Gerhard Swart and the rest of the Dunstablians RUFC squad earned a 30-24 win against their Ampthill RUFC rivals. Then, after the final whistle was blown, the Dunstable newly-weds headed off for their reception at the Old Farm, Totternhoe.

Sarah's mum Janet Moorhouse, of Jacksons Close, Edlesborough, said: 'Sarah and Byron thoroughly enjoyed themselves, they were very happy. Byron did twist his ankle - he was limping a bit - but he's OK!"

Sarah, a teacher at Dunstable's Manshead School, married Byron, a carpenter, in the Priory Church, and her eight-year-old son Joseph was the ring-bearer. It was only fitting that rugby should be part of their big day, as the couple first met through the sport two years ago.

Byron had travelled from Australia to join the Dees, and Sarah's son was already a young player with the club. When the rugby-loving groom first brought up the clash between their wedding day and the match, Sarah said: 'Don't even think about it!'Then, a few days later, they talked about it again.

And sporting Sarah said: 'I realised that he was genuinely upset that he would be letting them down, and I wanted him to be happy as well, not just me. I just said: 'Go on, then, if you want to!''

The arrangements were tweaked, the rugby club laid on transport to its Bidwell Park ground, courtesy of official travel sponsor Three Star Coaches, of Luton, and new invitations were sent out.

Sarah said: 'Everyone seems quite positive that it's an addition to the day, rather than taking away from it.' Grateful groom Byron said: 'I'm pretty lucky, really. She's been great about it all - and very understanding.'

Now the newly-weds are planning to make their home in Canberra, Australia, and will move there in late October.