PROP forward Rich Ellis will have special reason for hoping Malton and Norton don't end up as sporting bridesmaids when they play their prestigious cup final at Twickenham on Saturday.

For in figuring in the biggest game of his life, he will miss out on another major match - his cousin's wedding.

Furthermore, his daughters will miss out on being bridesmaids for real.

Easingwold farmer Rich had been looking forward to cousin Sarah Clayton's wedding in Wetherby on Saturday, while his young daughters, Victoria and Georgina, were awaiting their chance to be bridesmaids.

The two girls, aged six and four, had even been fitted out for dresses for the occasion and couldn't wait for the special day to come - until their dad helped his side win through to the final of the Tetley's Bitter Vase, which is on the same day.

"The way it has worked out is really unfortunate," said 35-year-old Rich, who has been with the club for 18 years.

"We had to think about it a lot but finally decided to go to Twickenham as it's a once-in-a-lifetime chance for me. Win or lose it will be a great day."

The two girls, plus their six-month-old sister, Annabel, and mum Gill will now be among up to 1,000 North Yorkshire folk travelling to the home of rugby union to cheer on dad and his team as they take on Merseysiders Hoylake.

Updated: 11:40 Monday, April 16, 2001