HEREFORD Sixth Form College clinched the Apple Cup after beating Hereford Cathedral School 24-10, in a game watched by over 2,500 spectators.

The college students kicked off, starting what would be a fast paced and challenging half of rugby for both sides.

Some outstanding defence gave Cathedral School an early penalty under the posts and they took the three points on offer.

The college side started to build pressure in response, but the heroic defence and commitment from their opponents forced mistake after mistake.

The first half was a test of both teams nerves and the Cathedral School were dealing with the pressure better than their counterparts. 

However, the Six Form College brought the intensity up another level in the second half.

A fantastic carry from the lineout by Henry B resulted in him crashing over and scoring the first try of the match (7-3).

Some further fast paced phase play combined with moving the ball wider resulted in the college students making ground with each carry and finally finding some space out wide for Ralph T to dot down in the corner (12-3).

The Cathedral School hit back with a great offload from Benji R giving the ball to danger man Harry C who outpaced the Hereford cover defence before busting through the last man to score by the posts (12-10).

The college students looked to hit straight back but time after time Sam J & Tom B turned the ball over thwarting their attacks.

With a bit more deception introduced into their play the ball found its way to Ralph T who chipped and chased his way to the line to score his second try of the match (17-10).

With time running out the Cathedral School tried to batter their way through the Six Form defence but were sent back with some huge hits from Tom B & Tom L.

Sensing the desperation the college pupils strung together some wide attacking play and stretched their opponent’s defence resulting in Sol R going over in the final minutes to secure a 24-10 win.

After the match, Hereford Sixth Form College Head of Rugby, Kieram Hallam, said: " This was a whole squad effort, not just the boys playing but the other guys who have been pushing them every week at training.

“The first half was a battle and the willingness to work and defend built the foundations to play off in the second half. 

“All credit to the Cathedral School players and coaching staff, who fully played their part in what is now a highlight in the rugby calendar and fair play to the year 11 guys!

With over 2,500 tickets sold all profit are going to the Hereford Community Foundation Sports Fund.

If you are in Year 11 and want to be a part of Hereford Sixth Form College Rugby Academy next year or would like more information on this, please contact k.hallam@hereford.ac.uk