A TRIPLE threat has been added to Thomas More College’s 1st cricket and hockey teams in the form of the talented Riddle brothers, Brian (17) and twins, Nathan and Luke (15).
Nathan:
Nathan is an avid cricketer but was excited to take on both sports when he started Grade 1. “My parents’ encouragement saw me sign up to compete,” said the avid teen.
To add to the list, he also played soccer and joined the swimming team.
“It is my love for hockey and cricket that pushed me to continue playing them to Grade 10,” said Nathan.
He has half colours for both cricket and hockey and, while he is a confident seam bowler, isn’t shy to admit he is an all-rounder on the cricket pitch.
“What I love about both sports is that you get to work as a team and as an individual. There are so many skills and techniques that you continue to learn each time you hit the field that help you grow at the games,” he said.
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The highlight of his cricketing career was when his team competed against England back when he was in Grade 6.
“It was really enjoyable! We had the opportunity to see how people play internationally, were able to test our skill levels against overseas players and we only lost one of the seven matches,” said Nathan.
He hopes to fly over to England and join a county cricket side and work his way up the proverbial ladder. His other dream is to study civil engineering after he matriculates.
Luke:
His twin, Luke said he has enjoyed playing cricket alongside his brother for as long as he can remember and cherishes that they now get to do that with a team at their side.
“The only sport I watch is cricket and hockey, especially the international games,” said Luke.
While his aspiration is to also be picked to play for an English cricket side, he short term goals are slightly different.
“I just want to get really good statistics to prove that I am a good player and prove to myself that it is possible to make it. I am currently sitting at 85/not out and want to increase that to at least a century. I want to be the best cricketer that I can be and really take every opportunity that is offered to me in each and every game,” said a determined Luke.
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Once he matriculates, he hopes to study sports physiotherapy.
“I have an interest in biology and have a passion for sports, as a career it would be really great to combine the two,” he said.
Brian:
Brian is currently in matric and, over and above playing hockey and cricket, is also an umpire for hockey KZN.
There was something about the role that appealed to him and he asked if he could learn. He was an umpire at a few school games where his skill and keen eye were soon recognised. It wasn’t long before Brian was asked to mediate both the men’s and women’s super league games.
“At the beginning of February, I was asked to umpire the SA men’s vs SA men’s A-side warm up game, before they competed against USA,” said an enthusiastic Brian.
The role of an umpire has helped Brian to understand the game from a new angle and taught him a few new plays he can use when he is in the thick of the action.
“A big thank must be given to Thomas More College’s Coral Steenkamp and Wanri Venter. They have played some of the biggest parts of development for hockey since I’ve been at the school. They are dedicated and have continued to show their support for the school’s learners and its sporting disciplines,”
Even though he joined the school’s 1st team cricket when he was still in Grade 9, he officially became a member when he started Grade 10.
“Cricket is really fun to play and I really enjoy the general camaraderie between myself and my teammates. Of course that also includes the twins,” he said with a smile.
Like his younger siblings, he also hopes to play cricket in England, but is also excited at the prospect of playing hockey in the Netherlands. During his 2021 gap year, Brian wants to complete hockey and cricket coaching courses before he heads to Pongola to work on a game farm for a few months.
“One of my other passions is the outdoors. I am quite keen on looking into rhino conservation. I’ve always enjoyed working with my hands and I hope to never work in an office as being in the wilderness is such a great escape from the hustle and bustle we face each day,” said Brian.
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