Hugh Cecil Aldons, one of Sri Lanka’s (Ceylon at the time) iconic sportsmen passed away peacefully at the age of 99 in Melbourne on Thursday (June 27) failing to reach a monumental century by just 10 months.
A triple International in hockey, rugby and cricket, Aldons was one of the greatest All-round sportsmen during his career unmatched during his era and perhaps still unequalled in versatility.
He was an idol to many, including myself playing alongside him as a Right-Half for the Burgher Recreation Club (BRC), Mercantile H.A. and Ceylon in hockey and playing with him there was no greater learning experience.
Having bid him and his family farewell on board the ship “Oronsay’ in 1957, I have kept close contact with him and he was emotionally waiting to receive a birthday card from the reigning British monarch King Charles on reaching the milestone of a 100 years.
“May his soul rest in peace” will be echoed by many Royalists, BRC members as well as Havelock Sports Club and Ceylon team-mates.
Aldons commenced his international career in 1947 in hockey against India and played against Pakistan in 1955. In-between he played against the Indian Army Southern Command (1950), was selected for tours of Madras and Bangalore (1953), played against the Delhi Wanderers (1955), played against Mysore HA (1955) and captained the Ceylon team on a tour of Madras in 1957.
Having played with A, Mylvaganam, Ernie Kelaart and Ivan de Kretser, all brilliant Centre Halves, Aldons was the complete package having played over 75 matches both at home and overseas.
When in attack he orchestrated almost every attacking move, his accurate timely hits, judicious scoops, controlled pushes and adept side stepping, were a treat to a connoisseur.
For the Burgher Recreation Club (BRC) he played in the winning teams of 1948 to 1950 (Captain), 1956 (Double) and 1957.
He captained the Mercantile H.A. at the first National Championships in 1956 and 1957 respectively becoming Joint Champions and Champions.
Aldons exploits and brilliance on the field made him dazzle as a winger playing for the star-studded teams of Havelocks which won the inaugural Clifford Cup and he went on to don the Sri Lanka jersey.
Aldons was unlike any other and went on to captain the Ceylon team against the Madras CA for the Gopalan Trophy.
In his last match for BRC at hockey versus the University in 1957, Aldons scored the only winning goal as his team won the ‘Pioneer Cup’ K/O Tournament.
It was a fitting farewell and the next day he migrated to Melbourne, Australia in 1957, with his wife and family.
