Scotland star has a ball in Melrose

Published 1 Jul 2010 12:58 0 Comments

THE new Mrs Brown put the boot into some of Scotland's top rugby names on Saturday.

Emily Granfield adopted the Melrose tradition of having a marriage ball at her wedding to Scotland star Kelly Brown.

Rather than just any old ball, though, she kicked one with the autographs of the current international squad that has just returned from a successful tour of Argentina.

And in front of many of the Murrayfield team - including Thom Evans, Johnnie Beattie and John Barclay - Emily kicked her marriage ball from the steps of Melrose Parish Church.

Emily, 26, who wore a stunning ivory lace dress, said: "I've never been a fan of rugby and even pretended to be busy when Kelly won his first Scotland cap. But he did insist on having a marriage ball.

"At first I was told that I had to do a drop kick from the church steps but in the end I just had to kick it from the ground.

"I was a bit worried that Kelly would come back from Argentina with cuts, bruises and another broken nose, but thankfully the Argentinians have been nice to him."

The happy couple's daughter, Amber, acted as flower girl. And Kelly's university mate Stuart Little was best man.

Sean Lamont, Chris Cusiter and Mark Robertson were also amongst the 130 guests at Saturday's church service.

The evening reception was held in a marquee within the grounds of St Mary's School which backs onto the Greenyards ground.

But it was the post-vows ceremony of the Marriage Ball that attracted the most attention with dozens of young rugby fans joining in the race to get their hands on the signed Scotland ball.

Mrs Brown's kick even impressed Scotland penalty ace Dan Parks. He told us: "Considering what Emily was wearing she did pretty well."

Local youngster Christopher Bell won the chase for the Marriage Ball. And he was further rewarded as Kelly, who has won 34 caps for his country, posed for photos with him.

Kelly, who recently moved to St Alabans, explained why to Melrose was his perfect wedding venue. He said: "Emily was studying in Galashiels when we met and I grew up in Melrose so we both wanted to come back for our wedding.

"She wasn't sure about the marriage ball but I talked her round. It just adds to a very special day for both of us."

The former Melrose and Glasgow Warriors forward has just signed a two year contract with English Premiership side Saracens.

Pre-season training at Watford has forced the couple to postpone their honeymoon until next summer.

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