THE Bumble Bees may have only won one of their five matches at the International Mixed Ability Rugby Tournament (IMART) 'World Cup' in northern Spain.

Yet they did walk away with two prestigious trophies as they set the standards for behaviour in their growing branch of rugby union.

The Bumbles, runners-up two years ago in Bingley to Irish team Sunday's Well Rebels, not only won the Spirit of Rugby award from the referees for their fair play and sportsmanship – in many ways the highest accolade in mixed ability sport – but also had the player of the tournament.

Captain Stephen Rhodes collected the fair play award on behalf of his team to great applause, while a very proud 'Big' Lee Hainsworth was named leading player.

Chosen by all the other teams, Hainsworth was not only rewarded for some hard-running rugby but also for having shaken many hands and introduced himself to every player, supporter and official that he could find in his five days at Vitoria Gasteiz.

A total of 12 teams took part, including representatives of all the Six Nations, plus Argentina and host country Spain.

Sunday's Well Rebels again reached the final but lost this time in a hard-fought match to Argentina's Pumpas.

The Bumble Bees took 25 players and facilitators to Spain, plus two physios and 20 helpers and supporters.

Bradford University not only funded three of their students to join the touring party but also provided safeguarding to those players requiring the most assistance off the pitch.

The Bumble Bees were supported by their charity, who raised nearly £5,000 from sponsors and benefactors to cover players' transport and team kit.

Massive credit is due to the proud Bees coaching team of Dan Cookson, Darryl Wilson, Jake Goodwin and Si Meyers – and the club are already looking forward to the 2019 tournament, wherever it may be held.

As a result of their success, the Bumble Bees have been invited to a civic reception in Bradford on Wednesday, November 8.

Anyone interested in finding out more about mixed ability rugby can contact Bumbles team manager Steve Balmforth on 07790-615097.

Training is every Saturday at Bradford & Bingley Rugby Club from 11am, with matches arranged at least once per month throughout the year.