Russell Bertram Heyn – a colossus among sporting legends-by Dennis de Rosayro

I first met Russell Heyn when I joined the Burgher Recreation Club (BRC) as a Benedictine schoolboy, two days before my 17th birthday on March 8, 1954. He had just finished his routine batting session at the centre wicket.

Sturdy and handsome he was 41 plus but looked like a 30-year-old. My connection with the great man was very close at the club and during his lifetime.

He took a great interest in my long hockey career and went on to recommend and proposed my name as General Secretary in 1962, which office I held up to 1975, and served during his Presidency from 1965 to 1975. On stepping down he proposed my name as the Vice-President in 1976 (only one). It was a wonderful learning experience working alongside an extraordinary and knowledgeable administrator who seemed to know everything. Earlier, he proposed my name as Coach of the Women’s Teams in 1959 and youngsters in 1962, which positions I held until 1976.

Heyn represented the Club from 1929 to 1952, was a brilliant and feared centre forward, particularly known for his first-time powerful hits from the top of the ‘D’ resulting in many a spectacular feast of goals. He captained in several seasons, playing in the winning teams of 1941, 1948 to 1950 and 1952, and in all major tournaments conducted by the Ceylon Hockey Association.

In cricket, he represented the club from 1929 to 1956 in all tournaments conducted by the Ceylon Cricket Association. He was a hard-hitting and elegant batsman who topped the averages more often than not. He excelled in the cover point position and was a more than useful off-spin bowler. He captained in several seasons.

He inaugurated a coaching school for aspiring teenage cricketers in the 1960s. A very nominal fee was levied to cover overhead expenses. He identified those who could ill afford and thus no fee was levied. Heyn was regularly selected to represent the Ceylonese vs European annual traditional matches. As an all-rounder, he was a vital member. He was the Chairman of the Selection Committee in 1960 and 1961, President of the Ceylon Hockey Federation from 1964 to 1968.

He had the honour of umpiring at the first National Hockey Championships of Sri Lanka in 1956 and again in 1958 and 1959. He led the Ceylon CA Team to South India in 1947 and was one of Ceylon’s most hard-hitting batsmen during the period 1932 to 1950 and a brilliant cover-point fielder.

In 1948, he dismissed the great Sir Donald Bradman with a fast off-break, caught brilliantly at cover-point by R. L. de Kretser (also BRC), for only 20 runs. Heyn was the Manager of the Sri Lanka Cricket Team to England in 1979, Pakistan in 1974 and Sharjah in 1985.

He was the President of the Board of Control for Cricket from 1977 to 1979 and was Administrative Secretary of the Board from 1983 to 1992, being the first full time professional administrator, a stupendous career ending at the age of 80 years.

This superb athlete also represented the Ceylonese in 1936 against a British Services X1 as a fast-running rugby wing three quarters. He joined the Ceylon Light Infantry Volunteers and received a Commission on September 1, 1940. He went on to be Major on October 3, 1945, Lieutenant Colonel on February 9, 1955, Colonel on November 4, 1959, Brigadier on March 21, 1964, and Major General on November 11, 1966.

Having portrayed noble qualities and exemplary character, he was able to win the love and admiration of his superiors, colleagues, and subordinates. In recognition of his courage and efficiency, as well as honesty, modesty, and loyalty, he was awarded the Defence Medal, War Medal, Queen Elizabeth Coronation Medal and was the second in command of the contingent which took part in the Queen’s Coronation Parade held in London.

Heyn was the Commander of the Sri Lanka Army from November 11, 1966, to September 30, 1967, and was presented ‘Deshabandu – Class-I under the Public Seal on May 22, 1990.