Go off to the match unexpectedly? (5)

I believe the answer is:

elope

'match unexpectedly?' is the definition.
(to elope is to secretly marry or 'match')

I can't explain the rest of the clue.

(Other definitions for elope that I've seen before include "Run away together" , "(Lovers) run away" , "leave with lover" , "do a moonlight flit" , "escape" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.

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