BOTHA’S HILL – In a clash defined by grit and narrow margins, Hoërskool Framesby secured a morale-boosting 15-14 victory over Glenwood High School on day two of the Kearsney Easter Rugby Festival (KERF). For the Gqeberha side, it was a vital act of redemption following a heavy defeat on Thursday, while the “Green Machine” was left to rue missed opportunities in the dying stages.

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From the opening whistle, Framesby played with a palpable sense of urgency that was missing in their tournament opener. Flyhalf Miles Feltham steered the ship with composure, slotting a seventh-minute penalty to give his side an early 3-0 lead.

The Eastern Cape outfit extended their advantage midway through the first half thanks to a moment of individual brilliance. Outside centre Reon Saaiman executed a delicate grubber kick off the outside of his boot, finding left-wing Jaco George in space. George gathered cleanly to dot down, pushing the lead to 8-0.

Despite Framesby’s pressure, Glenwood’s defense remained uncompromising, holding the line until the halftime whistle.

The second half saw a revitalised Glenwood side. Just three minutes after the restart, fullback Rosco Williams sparked the comeback. Fielding a clearance kick near the halfway line, Williams sliced through the chasing line before offloading to Lebohang Skosana, who raced away to score. Vincenzo Loutz added the extras to bring Glenwood within a point.

The momentum stayed with the Durban boys as inside centre Jakub Bednar broke the line to set up flanker Andile Mbokazi for a try. With Loutz’s second conversion, Glenwood took the lead for the first time at 14-8.

The crowd was nearly treated to the try of the tournament when Glenwood hooker Tyler Leon intercepted the ball and thundered half the length of the field. However, a desperate, try-saving tackle from Framesby held him up over the line, a moment that would prove pivotal.

Having escaped the “Leon hammer blow,” Framesby clawed their way back into Glenwood territory. Prop Handré Schnetler showed immense strength to power over from a quickly taken penalty. Feltham’s successful conversion edged Framesby back in front, 15-14.

The final eight minutes were a test of nerves. Glenwood was awarded two long-range penalties – one with eight minutes remaining and another as the final whistle loomed. In both instances, Vincenzo Loutz had the distance from 44 metres out, but the accuracy eluded him, with the final attempt falling just short and left.

As the ball went dead, the Framesby players erupted in celebration, having navigated a physical encounter to claim their first win of the festival.

Scorers:

• Framesby: Tries: Jaco George, Handré Schnetler. Conversion: Miles Feltham. Penalty: Miles Feltham.
• Glenwood: Tries: Lebohang Skosana, Andile Mbokazi. Conversions: Vincenzo Loutz (2).

Up Next: Glenwood High will look to bounce back against Dr EG Jansen on Monday morning, while Framesby faces a tough challenge against Hoërskool Transvalia to open day three.