HEREFORD Sixth Form College (HSFC) celebrated winning the Apple Cup as they overcame Hereford Cathedral School (HCS) at Wyeside.

The biggest game of the year for the sides drew a huge crowd of around 800 spectators to Hereford Rugby Club.

From the kick-off, HSFC had phase after phase in the HCS 22, but some outstanding defence and line speed kept the score 0-0.

HSFC received a penalty for all their hard work and decided to take the points; with the pitch turning into a muddy bog Ned C lined up the shot but slipped and pushed the ball wide leaving the scores level at half time.

The sixth form students continued to test their opponents until after several pick and goes from the five-metre line the ball was moved to Ned C who drifted onto the pass and muscled his way through two defenders to score under the posts for a converted try.

HSFC looked to increase their lead and a couple of strong carries from Tom B, Oscar J and Rory B created some space and once again Ned C powered his way through a gap, rounded the fullback and scored under the posts for a second converted try.

However, an accumulation of infringements led to HSFC seeing a play sent to the sin-bin.

Eventually the pressure told and the ever-dangerous Harry C drove over from a few meters out for the Cathedral School to make it 14-5.

With 10 minutes left there was time for a comeback but the power and kicking game of HSFC kept HCS down in their own 22m and they could not fight their way out as the sixth form won the cup.

After the match, HSFC head of rugby Kieram Hallam commented: "This was a whole squad effort, not just the boys playing but the other guys who have been pushing them every week at training too.

“It wasn’t a classic performance but the willingness to work and defend are the building blocks of wins and the boys showed this today.

“All credit to the HCS players and coaching staff, that was an incredible defensive set in the first half and fair play to the year 11 guys who showed what they can do in a big game.

“Final thanks go to Hereford RFC for hosting and the team of workers who got the pitch playable and allowed the match to take place.”

HSFC move on to their final game of 2023 against St Peters School Gloucester in the Daily Mail Trophy.

Anybody who want to be a part of Hereford Sixth Form College Rugby Academy or would like more information contact k.hallam@hereford.ac.uk