Image source, Huw Evans Picture Agency
Image caption, Glamorgan bowler Tom Norton was born and educated in Abergavenny
Handed his County Championship debut by Glamorgan, 18-year-old seamer Tom Norton was elated after claiming figures of 3-75 as Somerset posted 354 in their first innings after being put into bat in Cardiff. His second-innings exploits on Sunday sent him into dreamland, as he ripped through the top order with three consecutive deliveries to complete a record-setting hat-trick.
First to fall was opener James Rew, who gloved to Asa Tribe at slip. Tom Lammonby then strode to the crease but immediately returned to the pavilion after edging to wicketkeeper Chris Cooke. Archie Vaughan, son of England’s 2005 Ashes-winning captain Michael, walked in next. Norton delivered a ball that thudded into the pads, and Sophia Gardens held its breath until umpire Paul Pollard raised his finger, sparking a joyous mobbing from Norton’s teammates.
Norton became the youngest player to take a first-class hat-trick for Glamorgan, the youngest on record from any side to achieve the feat on first-class debut, and the first player of any age to do so on Championship debut since 1906. The previous youngest to accomplish this for Glamorgan was England paceman Jeff Jones—father of 2005 Ashes hero Simon Jones—who was 20 back in 1962.
Norton finished with 4-61 as Somerset collapsed to 157 all out. Glamorgan chased down a target of 285 to win by two wickets, securing their first home victory in Division One.
A special memory ‘for the rest of my life’
Image source, Huw Evans Picture Agency
Image caption, Tom Norton is congratulated on his wicket-taking by his Glamorgan team-mates
Understandably, Norton took time to process his extraordinary first-class debut. “I never thought this would happen,” he said. “I was happy to get my first wicket to get me off my mark in first-class cricket… a first wicket in first-class cricket is something special, it doesn’t get taken away from you ever in your life. But to take a hat-trick on my debut is something I’ll cherish for the rest of my life. It’s a really special feeling, hopefully I’ll have my name in the record books for a long, long time. I don’t remember much of the celebrations after. I just saw the nicks and the LBW and just went off and ran wildly.”
Describing the moment as “surreal” for his family, Norton added: “It was special to have them here on my first day. Mum watching my cap presentation was great, so it was a really special day for all of us. I’ve worked since I was about six years of age to do this—that’s what I’ve wanted to do. I’ve worked hard on my fitness the last few years to get in the shape to play first-class cricket. I also get told I’ve got the build of a rugby player as well—I’d love to do both but… it was always cricket for me.”
Who is Tom Norton?
Born in Abergavenny on 8 August 2007, Norton—a right-handed batter and seam bowler—progressed through club cricket and Glamorgan’s academy. He made his second XI debut in 2022 and impressed with both bat and ball. His first-team debut came in July 2024 during a one-day friendly against Wiltshire at Swindon, becoming one of the county’s youngest players at 16 years and 348 days. Norton was part of Glamorgan’s One-Day Cup squads in 2024 and 2025, and made his first XI County Championship debut against Leicestershire at Sophia Gardens in August last year. His senior debut followed an outstanding season with Glamorgan’s second XI, alongside a title-winning summer with the county.
