Wesley's glamorous Bryan no more

Richard Dwight

In the midst of life we are in death, and so it's with much regret that we record the passing away of Elton Bryan Claessen, the former Wesley, Colts and All Ceylon cricketer.

Bryan, as he was affectionately known was ill for sometime and finally succumbed to his ailment at the age of 74 on Tuesday night (16) in Australia.

Bryan was a potential, promising cricketer in the under 14 team and, was easily picked for the Wesley College 1st XI team when he was 15 years under Derrick Mack. As a versatile, glamorous right hand batsman, right arm leg spinner and an alert gully fielder, he proved to be the cynosure of the side.

He represented Wesley for four years from 1950-1953, captaining the side in his last year. Along with him there were many fair complexioned cricketers in the team, that resembled a young Aussie XI.

He was a commanding dynamic leader and whenever he led the side to field, he sported that bravado, cock-sure confident attitude. Little wonder that Wesley remained unbeaten under his captaincy with him scoring freely and taking as many wickets. During his four years of cricket at Wesley he notched 4 centuries took many wickets and catches.

On leaving school he represented Bosanquet and Skrine, Colts and All Ceylon. Against Pakistan he has a score of 70 and was also selected to play against Australia skippered by Lindsay Hasset in 1953.

As a gentleman Bryan endeared himself to many. He is survived by his wife Carol and daughter.

May Bryan's soul Rest in Peace.