Sports

Elmo was outstanding in sports, studies

Bevill St. Elmo de Bruin born on 28/08/1923 had his early education at St. John's, Panadura from 1931. I first came to know Elmo as a classmate of mine at St. John's Panadura, a school then, on par with the best in Colombo. I joined Royal College in 1932 and Elmo came to Royal College in 1937. His father Bevill (Snr.) was Chief Inspector of Police at Panadura and played cricket for Panadura Sports Club. An officer to look up to as a guiding light.

Elmo came on the sports scene at Royal College in 1938. He fared well in the House Cricket competition as opening batsman and leg-spin bowler.

His height of 6 ft 2 inches was an asset in the "slips." He had a brilliant school career (he won 9 prizes at a single prize giving in 1940). I believe the closest any other Royalist come to this performance was by C.G. Weeramanthry with 8 prizes in 1941. He was later in the UN International Court. ( I am informed that no student could win the same prize the second time!)

While at college he served as Vice President, Miniature Rifle Shooting Club, Manager of the Magazine Committee, Officer in the Cadet Corps and his longest stint was master-in-charge of Athletics for twelve years (1948-1960). He also assisted in coaching the Cricket Team. The prize he treasured most was the Donhorst Memorial prize.

He was Editor of the Magazine, Head Prefect, House Captain and was awarded Cricket colours (1941), passed London Matriculation and then London Inter-Arts Exams in July 1941. Elmo won a scholarship on the results to enter the University. He was proficient in Mathematics.

Those of us who were involved with him at Cricket found him to be a pleasant and an understanding individual. He applied himself, as in studies, to his Cricket, playing for Hartley House first XI and then for Royal College. In spite of some good bowling (6 matches) - performances by him in the 1940/41 season, he was dropped like a "Hot Potato" in the Big Match. His bowling performances during the season are given below. He was in the team for his leg spin bowling.

When he was dropped from the S. Thomas' match a player who did not represent Royal in any one of the six Inter-school matches was included! (May be as a sop to Elmo's wounded feelings he was awarded his Cricket colours). Here's hoping these happenings are things of the past.

Finally Principal Dudley K.G. de Silva's appreciation in his prize giving report said "I would like to say a word of appreciation in regard to the valuable services rendered to this College by Mr. St. E. de Bruin who is now in the UK. During the period of service to his old school, Mr. de Bruin had scarcely any other interests in life save that of the progress and advancement of all aspects of school life.

He was a great teacher with outstanding talents and his contribution both in the Class Room and the field of sports have always been characteristic of his thorough efficiency and his zealous devotion to duty. We offer him our best wishes in his future career" (RC Magazine -1961). Elmo served later in Cornwall College, Jamaica, West Indies from 1962-2002. He was Vice-Principal of Cornwall College for the last ten years. Elmo passed away in Jamaica in July 2003. It's sad to lose friends like Elmo.- S.S.Perera.