Glamorgan gave 18-year-old bowler Tom Norton his County Championship debut, and he delivered outstanding figures of 3-75 as Somerset racked up 354 in their first innings after Glamorgan chose to field first in Cardiff.

In the visitors' second innings on Saturday, Norton's next three wickets propelled the young fast bowler into the spotlight, dismantling Somerset's top order with a hat-trick for the ages.

Opener James Rew, an England prospect, was the first victim, gloving a catch to Asa Tribe at slip. Tom Lammonby followed, edging straight to wicketkeeper Chris Cooke.

Archie Vaughan, son of England's 2005 Ashes captain Michael Vaughan, then arrived at the crease, only for Norton's delivery to crash into his pads.

The Sophia Gardens crowd waited anxiously before umpire Paul Pollard upheld the appeal, sparking wild celebrations from Norton's teammates.

Norton etched his name into history as Glamorgan's youngest ever player to take a first-class hat-trick, the youngest from any side on debut, and the first of any age on Championship debut since 1906.

The previous youngest for Glamorgan was England quick Jeff Jones - father of 2005 Ashes star Simon Jones - who achieved it at 20 in 1962.

Norton ended with 4-61 as Somerset collapsed to 157 all out, setting up Glamorgan's gritty chase to victory at 285-8 for a landmark first home win in Division One.

Norton needed time to process his extraordinary first-class bow.

"I never imagined this," he admitted.

"Getting that initial wicket was a thrill - a first-class scalp is yours forever.

"But a debut hat-trick? That's a memory for life.

"It's an incredible sensation, and I hope my name stays in the records indefinitely.

"The celebrations are a blur - I saw the edge, the LBW, and just sprinted off in joy."

He called the moment "surreal" for himself and his family.

"Having them there for my cap presentation was magical - Mum watching made it perfect for everyone," he added.

"I've trained since age six for this.

"Lately, I've focused on fitness to handle first-class demands.

"People say I have a rugby player's physique - I'd like both sports, but cricket has always been my passion."

Senior teammate Timm van der Gugten, sidelined by an elbow injury during Somerset's second innings, praised Norton's breakout performance.

"Phenomenal stuff. We've seen Tom's talent for years, and he's elevated his game," van der Gugten said.

"A strong pre-season transformed his physique, run-up, and action - it's all clicking. He's dominated second XI cricket and forced his way in.

"We were thrilled for him. He was buzzing just to play and snag a wicket, but his evening spell was magical - unforgettable for him.

"The whole dressing room won't forget it.

"At 18, he's got huge potential to improve."

Glamorgan coach Richard Dawson also hailed Norton's promising start.

"Very impressive," Dawson noted.

"He stayed calm when selected, eager with the new ball after solid second-team form.

"He brought pace, consistency, and maturity to a chaotic match."

Dawson, a former England spinner, highlighted Norton's winter club stint in Australia.

"Strong, repeatable action, hits the deck hard, bowls threatening lengths relentlessly - outstanding.

"Big spells with maintained speed.

"Hard winter graft in Australia and beyond is paying dividends.

"Robust build, still developing, but brimming with potential."