TWO cricket enthusiasts bowled over their guests when they held an unusual wedding reception.

Instead of the usual wedding breakfast, well-wishers enjoyed a traditional Devonshire tea on the green – and a few overs.

The bride, dressed in her wedding gown, even managed to bowl out the bridegroom with the help of their eight-year-old nephew who was their wicketkeeper for the impromptu game.

Ex-professional cricketer Mark Aspin, 45, met Naomi Holt, 30, five years ago while playing for Church, where her father, Don Holt, is the chairman.

Mark had a seven-year career as a professional at four local clubs, later joining Church as a leading amateur for 10 seasons, including many as captain.

He is now a cricket coach and a keen golfer as well as working as a sales manager.

As well as loving the great English game, Naomi also helps to run a netball team and is training as an umpire.

Through social events the pair’s friendship blossomed into love and they got engaged three years ago.

They got married on a Thursday – so it wouldn’t affect the cricket – at the Devonshire Arms Country House Hotel at Bolton Abbey, near Skipton.

When booking the venue, they spotted a cricket pavilion and the idea for their unique reception grew from there.

Naomi, an administrative manager at Thwaites Brewery, said: "We wanted something different and we thought: ‘Wouldn’t it be nice to have the pictures on the cricket field?’

"Our families are very cricket-orientated and we met through the sport. It’s our life, not just in the summer but in the winter as well.

"The weather held out so we had tables and chairs outside and the staff even cut us a wicket so we could play. It was quintessentially English.

"Rather than champagne and canapes we had traditional Devonshire tea – sandwiches, scones, tea and traditional lemonade – and played a little cricket while being serenaded by a string quartet.

"It was the perfect English cricket afternoon."

The couple live in Simmons Way, Clayton-le-Moors.