Tough games ahead for Framesby
School braced for early challenges in rugby season
The Framesby rugby team are gearing themselves up for another big year, with a number of demanding challenges littering their fixture list in the early part of the season.
Last year, the Port Elizabeth team enjoyed a successful winter and coach Louis Gerber said they realised they would have their work cut out to repeat that this year.
The first serious examination will come against St Andrew’s on Saturday when they compete in the Pam Golding Properties Graeme Rugby Day in Makhanda.
This is a repeat of an earlyseason fixture between the two schools in 2018, when St Andrew’s edged home 10-8.
It should be another thrilling encounter between two sides who are not afraid to run the ball.
At the Standard Bank Grey High Festival a week later, Framesby will face further tests when they play crack East London outfit Selborne and Durban school, Westville.
It does not get any easier when the second term starts as
Framesby travel to Pretoria to take on the dangerous Menlo Park team.
With a huge culture of rugby in the region, this will be another formidable challenge.
The Framesby lads then attend the Kearsney College Easter Festival, with matches against Glenwood, NoordKaap and Durban High School.
Two weeks later, the Wildeklawer tournament, which involves many of SA’s leading rugby schools, takes place in Kimberley where their fixtures are against Welkom Gymnasium and Gauteng powerhouse, Monument High.
With a tough programme looming, Gerber said they had started their preparations, as normal, in October.
“The boys are well-conditioned at this stage and though much is expected from this group, a lack of experience at the highest level may put heavy pressure on the players,” he said.
“However, as always in the past, Framesby will be a hard nut to crack.
“The group of players are totally committed and proud to wear the Bloktrui!”
He said while they did have some key players, their focus would remain on the collective effort of the squad.
“Framesby has always placed premium value on commitment, hard work and leaving everything on the field.
“We are looking forward to the season because we thrive on being challenged, and to play the best opposition possible.”
● Meanwhile, the Framesby girls’ cricket team registered an exciting two-wicket win over Pearson in their match played over 30 overs.
Batting first, Pearson were dismissed for 85 in the 21st over.
Monique Ferreira led the way with 3/17 in five overs, while Leila Nel, Kristen van Rooyen and Kayla Ferreira each picked up two wickets.
Monique Ferreira also shone with the bat, top-scoring with 32, being supported by Kayla Ferreira (20) and Van
Rooyen (10), all playing their last match for the school.
In the end, the Framesby lower-order batters came to the party to clinch the twowicket win.
● Framesby had a big contingent of athletes competing in the Eastern Cape championships in Cradock over three days.
While the Karoo heat proved a challenge, several team members excelled to win their events.
They were Zanri Black (girls U13 300m hurdles), Wehan Smith (boys U17 800m), Simone Louw (girls U14 800m), Hannika van Vuuren (girls U17 pole vault), Tiaan Erskine (boys U19 hammer throw), Michael Spinks (boys U17 110m hurdles) and Ruzanne du Randt (girls U14 high jump).
Six athletes were chosen for the Eastern Cape team to compete in the National Schools Championships in Boksburg from March 19-21.
They are: Zanri Black, Wehan Smith, Michael Spinks, Jana Terblanche, Tiaan Erskine and Hanniska van Vuuren.