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.

It was a hotly fought contest between two evenly-matched sides, with the ultimate victors being HSFC, tying the series of annual games at two wins apiece and solidifying the Apple Cup’s 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.

Every donation makes a real difference to Herefordshire’s communities. If you would like to support sports activities in Herefordshire, you can donate here.