Apple Cup 2024 Draws Record Crowd and Raises Thousands for Charity
Posted on 18th December 2024
From left to right: Hereford Community Foundation Chairman Frank Myers, CEO Bridie Sullivan, HSFC sport academy coordinator Andy Douthwaite, HSFC rugby team captain Henry and HCS rugby team captain Sam
On Friday, 15 November, over 2000 rugby fans gathered at Hereford Rugby Club, for the fourth annual Apple Cup. The much-anticipated match between Hereford Cathedral School (HCS) and Hereford Sixth Form College (HSFC) delivered an exciting evening of sport while raising over £3,800 for the Herefordshire Community Foundation’s (HCF) Sport Fund.
The spirited competition saw two well-matched teams face off for 70 minutes in front of an enthusiastic crowd. HCS led narrowly at halftime, 3–0, after holding firm against sustained HSFC pressure. Early in the second half, HSFC captain Henry B scored from a well-coordinated set-piece, giving his side a 7–3 lead. HCS briefly regained momentum with a long-range opportunistic try but was unable to maintain it as HSFC responded with a dominant final 20 minutes, adding three more tries to secure a 24–10 victory.
This result marks the largest winning margin in the history of the Apple Cup, tying the series at two wins apiece. The growing intensity and popularity of the event have solidified its reputation as a highlight in the local sporting calendar.
Beyond the action on the field, the event served a greater purpose by raising funds for Herefordshire Community Foundation’s HCF Sport Fund. A cheque was presented in early December to CEO Bridie Sullivan and Chairman Frank Myers.
Bridie Sullivan said that, “The Herefordshire Community Foundation (HCF) is delighted to be chosen as this year's Apple Cup charity. It's great to see such enthusiastic fundraising efforts from Hereford Cathedral School and Hereford Sixth Form College. This donation to the HCF Sports Fund will support grassroots sports activities across Herefordshire and help nurture future talent. A huge thanks to both teams for their fantastic performance on the pitch.”
The fund supports a wide range of community organisations across Herefordshire in achieving their sporting and social goals. Beneficiaries include clubs for football, rowing, boxing, swimming, riding for the disabled, and pétanque, as well as community interest companies focused on activities like dance, yoga, and circus skills.
The Apple Cup has once again demonstrated the power of sport to bring communities together—not only through competition but also through meaningful support for local causes.