THE final day of the Kearsney Easter Rugby Festival 2026 on Monday delivered both resilience off the field and thrilling action on it, after severe overnight weather threatened to derail proceedings.

Heavy rain, strong winds, and a reported tornado swept through Durban areas on Sunday night, leaving extensive damage across the venue.

However, a coordinated overnight recovery effort by maintenance teams, plumbers, and staff ensured the festival could continue as scheduled. Flooded facilities were cleared, debris removed, and hay bales strategically placed to stabilise waterlogged areas, allowed matches to proceed on a playable Stott Field.

In the day’s second fixture, Glenwood High secured a narrow 14–12 victory over Hoërskool Dr EG Jansen in challenging, slippery conditions.

Glenwood struck first through eighth man Makhaya Mbaile, who crossed the line after a well-timed dummy opened space. Flyhalf Vincenzo Loutz added the conversion. Mbaile doubled his tally just before halftime following strong interplay between the forwards and backs, giving Glenwood a 14–0 lead at the break.

Also read: Kearsney Easter Festival kicks off to a great start

EG Jansen responded strongly in the second half. Christopher van Rooyen powered over early, followed by a second try from prop Elshaan Duminy, with AJ Oeschiger converting to close the gap to just two points. Despite sustained pressure, Glenwood’s defence held firm in the closing stages to secure the win.

Framesby snatch late victory

Earlier, Hoërskool Framesby claimed a dramatic 10–7 win over Hoërskool Transvalia in a tightly contested opener.

Framesby took the lead in the first half through flank Josh Potgieter, with Miles Feltham converting. Transvalia responded after halftime, with centre Lorenzo Flynn crashing over to level the scores.

With conditions worsening due to mist and rain, scoring opportunities were limited. However, in the final minute, Framesby earned a penalty within kicking range. Feltham kept his composure to slot the decisive points, sealing back-to-back victories for the Eastern Cape side after a heavy defeat on the opening day.

The successful continuation of the tournament highlighted the determination and teamwork behind the scenes, ensuring players and spectators could enjoy the final day of one of South Africa’s premier school rugby festivals.

With several key fixtures still scheduled later in the day, including clashes involving Westville Boys’ High, Durban High School, and hosts Kearsney College, the 2026 edition closed on a high note after a challenging start to the final day.

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