Richard Heyn – majestic batsman and free spirit
The 1962 St. Peter’s College cricket team (Standing from left): D. Pararaswaram, Clifford Bartlett, Franklyn Bowen, Rohan Abeysundera, Kevin Ruberu, Ravi Fernando, Christopher Harridge, Adithya de Silva (Seated from left): David Heyn, Maurice Deckker, Richard Heyn, Fr. Rufus Benedict (Prefect of Games), Tyrone le Mercier, Tissa Jayaweera, Travice Fernando
“Richard Heyn, the Peterite captain, brimming with confidence, walked to the wicket whistling and twirling his bat.” That is how the Royal College cricket captain of 1962, Darrell Lieversz, painted a vivid picture of a moment in an inter-school match between Royal and St. Peter’s in his blog, My Most Memorable Game of Cricket 1962.
Those words encapsulate the cavalier and free-spirited Richard Heyn, who died on Wednesday, April 3, in Virginia, United States, at the age of 81. He was ill for some time.
In 1962, the tall and rangy Richard had struck fear in the hearts of the Royalists, as in the previous school game he scored a commanding century to lead the demolition of Ananda College in under two days. But cricket, being the great leveller it is, ensured Richard was out for a golden duck in the first innings and another duck in the second against Royal.
The story of Richard is more than just that one game. He commanded a legion of young followers at St. Peter’s, including me, his cousin, who as a 10-year-old then, was in awe at some of the batting prowess of players of that time. He was described as a majestic and gifted cricketer by those who played alongside him.
To this day, I remember his lofted cover drives for six and straight hits sending the ball into the middle of the canal that wound its way like a brown snake past our school grounds. I remember our groundsman hitching his sarong up and wading into the murky water to retrieve the ball while keeping a wary eye on the ‘kabaragoyas’ (monitors) that sun-baked on the canal banks.
Richard and his brother, David, are the sons of Russel and Edna Heyn, both sporting forces themselves. Richard played cricket for the Burgher Recreation Club and played hockey at the highest level. David played for the BRC and Nondescripts Cricket Club and went on to gain fame as a forceful left-handed batsman and one of the finest fielders Sri Lanka has produced.
Their father, Major General B.R. Heyn was bestowed the honour of Deshabandu for his meritorious services to sport and administration. His name is etched into the annals of cricketing history as the man who claimed the wicket of Don Bradman in 1948.
One of Richard’s teammates and good friend, Tyrone le Mercier, was saddened by the news of Richard’s passing. Tyrone, Richard, and David had progressed together in all levels of school cricket, ending up in the First XI team together.
Le Mercier had achieved outstanding success as an allrounder, winning the Best Schools Bowler’s award in 1960, and then hitting the historic unbeaten 235 against St. Anthony’s College at Katugastota in 1962.
“Richard was an absolutely fantastic batsman,” Tyrone said.
“He was a gentle person and looked after the team. He would turn up for practices on his racing cycle with boots hanging on the handlebars. He was a gifted cricketer. Such a nice guy to me.”
After working in the commercial sector until 1968, Richard Heyn migrated to Australia and worked in managerial positions. He then moved to the United States and was living in Virginia. The family has not finalised funeral arrangements.