Player Profile – Wian Ruthven (Waterkloof)
Hoërskool Waterkloof’s Wian Ruthven has carved out a reputation as one of the most prolific opening batsmen at the school level in South Africa.
His reputation also includes his status as one of the cleanest hitters of a cricket ball at the top of the order, and that sweet striking has instilled fear in many bowling attacks nationwide.
The young batsman’s cricketing journey started when he first discovered his love for the game at three years old. Since then, he hasn’t looked back, making numerous district and provincial sides along the way.
At the age of nine, he had an opportunity to attend his first Northerns trials, battling it out in an age group that included players who were two years his senior.
At the age of 12, he broke through and got his first taste of provincial cricket, representing Northerns. After that, he went on to do it twice more, at the u13 and u17 levels.
When asked who his biggest role model is, the batsman didn’t hesitate: “It is definitely my father. You will always find him next to the cricket field, whether it’s going well or poorly.
“His support throughout the years has played the biggest role in me becoming the confident player I am today.”
He also commended the roles that coaches Cobus Pienaar, Righart Roos and Ruan Sadler have played since he made his move to the prestigious school in Pretoria.
“They have given me the necessary tools and opportunities while allowing me the freedom to play my natural game,” Ruthven said.
Over the past three years, he has been part of a very successful Klofie set-up. Recently, he received his 100th cap in Waterkloof’s match against their old foes, Menlopark. In that game, a Finsbury fixture, he held onto five catches.
“My favourite memories so far are the seven trophies that we managed to win in the 2022 and 2023 seasons, but I must say, the 117 runs I made in the Fain final against Marais Viljoen last year, and watching my best mate, Hernus Marais, bag a five-for in the same match, is one I’ll cherish for a very long time,” he said.
With ambitions to make his way into a South African franchise squad and then earn higher honours later in his career, Ruthven is looking forward to his last year as a Klofie cricketer.
His goal is simple: score more runs and secure more trophies for Waterkloof.
