Class act Norton calls time
One of South Canterbury’s most passionate players, Scott Norton, is retiring after 12 seasons with the ‘‘green and blacks’’.
The 36-year-old inside back has suffered several injuries during the club season and has finally hung up the boots as his body told him it was time to give it away.
Norton was always a quiet guy but a very astute tactician and organiser, something that was always highly valued by his team-mates and coaches.
He debuted for South Canterbury as a replacement in 1998 and scored a try in his first start against Horowhenua Kapiti.
Norton finished playing with 73 games, scoring 265 points.
His statistics would have been better but he opted to spend four seasons in Ireland with Kilkenny.
Norton said he loved pulling on the green and black jersey.
‘‘I’ve loved it, it has been awesome, I loved every minute playing for South Canterbury.
‘‘It is always good to step up and test yourself.’’
Norton said he never minded playing at nine or 10.
‘‘I was probably a better halfback but as long as I got out on the field I was happy.
‘‘I’d still like to be out there, the mind is willing but not so much the body.
‘‘I would rather make the decision than be dropped.’’
When he returned from Ireland he had no intentions to return to representative rugby but was persuaded by then coach Barry Fairbrother.
‘‘I’m pleased he did, I discovered the real passion of playing for South Canterbury.’’
Norton said there had been many highlights over the years including captaining the side in 2011 and making the New Zealand Heartland team the same year.
Going close to making the Meads Cup final in 2009 was bitter sweet.
‘‘We played really well but lost in the last minute and you always want to get the main prize.’’
He would like to remain involved in rugby in some way.
Norton thinks the 2014 South Canterbury roster is good enough but many need to be fitter.
‘‘That is not the coaches fault, players need to take responsibility.’’
Norton is no real fan of loan players, unless they are clearly superior to those who play locally in club rugby. ‘‘It is a shame the competition has them.’’ As for the best player Norton has played alongside, he named loose forward Eric Smith.
‘‘I might be biased, but he was always superbly fit and gave every game 100 per cent.’’
Norton said there were many good memories he would leave with, on and off the field.
‘‘Over the last four years there has been a really good culture in the team, I’ve enjoyed it.’’
South Canterbury coach Chester Scott had high praise for the Norton.
‘‘Scott is one of those guys you love to have in your group.
‘‘He has a lot of knowledge and a very good rugby brain.
‘‘Also over the years he always had the respect of his peers which speaks volumes.’’