Wooden Spoon Cumbria Men's Vets XV reach final at VetsFest

The Wooden Spoon Cumbria Men’s Veterans XV, made up of former stars from clubs across the region, made it all the way to the final of VetsFest 2025 – held at Tyndale RFC – and importantly, won the fundraising trophy for their efforts off the pitch.

The team was representing Wooden Spoon Cumbria, which is a rugby charity that raises money for children and young people living with disabilities or facing disadvantages in the area.

This year’s VetsFest was the fifth time the tournament has been held, but notably, it was the first time the tournament had taken place in the north of England.

Jim Beary, the skipper, and a 60 year old veteran at the tournament (Image: Jim Beary) The tournament is made up of teams from regions across the UK and Ireland, with players needing to be over the age of 35.

The Cumbrian XV won all their pool games and did one better than their performance at last year’s event and reached the final, where they faced an invitational team of ex-professionals.

In the final, the team had a try disallowed and then went on to lose 19-0, but this, however, didn’t stop the Cumbrian team’s captain, Jim Beary, from feeling proud of their efforts.

“[I am] incredibly proud of the lads who've come together from all over the county to represent their clubs and region at over-35s level and raise money for such a good cause.

“The squad is gaining momentum year on year as our results show (coming 3rd last year) and giving players the opportunity to lengthen their rugby careers whilst helping disadvantaged children back here in Cumbria in the process.”

Reece Tomlinson and Josh Cook (waterboy)  (Image: Jim Beary) Mr Beary was also pleased with how his team responded when faced with such an experienced opposition in the final.

“To hold our own against such an experienced invitational team in the final just shows the level of determination, team spirit, and commitment from everyone involved at Cumbria vets rugby," he said.

The skipper said he hopes his team can go “one better” next year and “bring back some silverware!”

Wooden Spoon Cumbria’s tournament success comes just weeks after they teamed up with Kirkby Lonsdale Brewery to launch a new beer to raise money for the charity.

With 10p of every pint of the Wooden Spoon Session Ale sold going towards their cause.

The pint is available in the pubs across Cumbria and the north west.