A talented sportsman from Stellenbosch is living his dream, wearing the Protea emblem on his heart in the current ICC Men’s Under-19 Cricket World Cup.
For Riley Norton, a Grade 12 learner at Paul Roos Gymnasium (PRG), 2023 was an excellent sporting year as he achieved the rare feat of being selected for the South African under-19 cricket and rugby teams.
The bowling all-rounder was selected to the South African under-19 team for the cricketing spectacle currently being held in Bloemfontein, Kimberley, Potchefstroom, East London and Benoni.
The avid rugby player was also selected to the South African schools’ under-19 rugby team in August as well as the SA under-18 team that went head-to-head with France and England in an international series the Cape.
It’s no surprise the skilled sportsman and natural leader is shining on the field. Coming from a sports-loving family, Riley is the youngest of three sports-crazy boys. His father, Chris, also played rugby for Western Province and instilled a love for sport in all three from a young age.
The modest 18-year-old has played provincial cricket and rugby throughout the age groups and says sport has always been a part of his life. “I’ve been playing cricket ever since I can remember,” Riley recalled.
“As a sporting family we used to play cricket in the backyard when I was young. I’ve always had a bat and ball in my hand.”
His ascent into cricketing ranks started when he was a Grade 4 learner at Rhenish Primary School and he was selected for the Boland under-11 team for two consecutive years.
Riley was also selected to captain the union’s under-13 team in Grade 7 and went on to lead the Boland under-16 team in his Grade 9 year. Since then he has been a member of the Boland under-19 team, captaining the side in the 2023 Coca-Cola Week Khaya Majola Week in Makhanda (Grahamstown) in December.
In 2022, the right-arm fast bowler was also selected to the Western Cape team for the annual Cricket South Africa Cubs Week and has been part of the PRG cricket first team since the end of his Grade 8 year.
His inclusion in the SA under-19 world cup team was a feat for which Riley is “extremely grateful” to wear the green and gold.
“Growing up, I always wanted to represent my country. When I got the call I was just extremely grateful; I think it’s a massive privilege because only a few cricketers get to do this. I just want to contribute to the team as best I can. I am just grateful, happy, and excited for the call-up. It is my biggest achievement in cricket.”
Riley’s rugby career as a lock forward and flanker has followed a similar path, starting with his selection to the WP under-13 Craven Week team, which he also captained.
He also led the WP under-16 team at the national under-16 Grant Khomo Week and was selected for the under-18 WP Craven Week last year.
His love for both sport codes, and the reason he continues to return to the fields of play, is rooted in his passion for them and his determination to create lasting memories with his teammates as they work together to achieve success on the pitch.
“What I enjoy most about cricket is just creating memories on and off the field. In cricket, one spends long hours with one’s teammates during a match and on tour; we learn a lot from one another and create lasting friendships.
“I just love cricket; I love the patience one must have and the mental skills one needs to apply. On the rugby field I enjoy fighting alongside my teammates and working together to beat the opposition as well as sticking to one’s strategies and plans to get one over your opponents. And, of course, I enjoy the contact, the training and building friendships as well as memories with my teammates.”
- SA vs West Indies: 3/66 in 8.5 overs; 2 runs off 2 balls
- SA vs England: did not play
- SA vs Scotland: 3/48 in 9 overs; did not bat
- SA vs Zimbabwe: 1/7 in 5 overs; did not bat
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The team will again be in action in a Super Six game against Sri Lanka at the same venue tomorrow (Friday 2 February). Play is scheduled to start at 10:00.
He is quick to point out that he has no favourite between the two codes, but admits he would need to choose one of the two in his quest to becoming a professional sportsman.
“I’ve always had the struggle of loving both equally. At this point, I just want to contribute to the best of my abilities in the world cup and for my school’s teams. Hopefully I will be selected for the provincial and national sides this year again.”
Riley is also focused on acing his Grade 12 year and hopes to study towards a qualification in the business field after school. He has managed to maintain a healthy balance between his extramural activities and academics, attributing this success to good time management through a detailed daily schedule.
Proud mom Andi says: “The whole family is so proud of his achievements. Riley strikes an incredible balance among hard work, love for the sports he plays and a hunger to learn more and get better.”
What is Riley’s advice to young aspiring sportspeople? “Enjoy the game and stay in the present; we are always looking towards the future, for what’s to come, and never just really stay in the moment, and enjoy what’s in front of you.
“It is important that you don’t take things for granted, and moments quickly pass you by. So stay in the moment, just enjoy where you are, and enjoy the process of moving through the ranks.”
