Tributes paid to a ‘true man of sport’
THERE are often references made to someone being a true man of sport. James Richard Bonser was certainly in that category. Here his friend, former Observer sports editor writes this tribute following his death at the age of 79.
RICHARD Bonser played rugby union for Rochdale and cricket for Norden, but his fame came as a player with Swinton Rugby League Club in what they called “the swinging sixties squad” which won back to back Championships.
He later coached Rochdale Hornets for a short time and coached Mayfield ARL. He was also a past chairman of Rochdale Hornets.
Richard was highly respected at every club he was involved with and he was legendary in Swinton.
A couple of years ago Norden travelled to play a team called Swinton Moorside. I was constantly approached by people asking about the wellbeing of Richard. They still tell stories about him to their children and grandchildren and pictures of him in his playing days still hang on many a house wall.
One chap mentioned a reunion held at some time. Players entered the room to polite applause. When Richard walked into the room everyone stood up to applaud.
Perhaps one of the greatest tributes has come from Swinton Lions. A spokesman said: “There have been a great many tributes, such was the esteem in which Dick Bonser was held. He never gave anything less than 101 per cent for the cause on either touchline.”
While at Station Road he became Swinton’s first substitute to take the field.
He also once held the record for fastest sending off in Rugby League.
On a brighter note he gained a reputation as being perhaps the only player to block out the great Billy Boston in a match.
Richard was a Rugby League star of the times, yet it might all have been different.
He began his rugby career in his home town with Rochdale Rugby Union and quickly became a rising star.
His sister Barbara said: “He was invited for Lancashire trials and, who knows, he might have gone on to become a big star in Union. But he had been sent off and suspended at the time and couldn’t attend the trial.”
Union’s loss was League’s gain and in 1961 the strapping second row/ loose forward joined Swinton. He made 71 appearances up to 1966 and later played for Widnes, Huyton and Oldham.
He was appointed Mayfield coach in 1975 and he side of the was interim coach for Rochdale Hornets for a short time in 1982.
Richard joined the board of Rochdale Hornets in October 1985 and he was in the boardroom at the time of Hornets leaving their Athletic Grounds home to groundshare with Rochdale AFC at Spotland.
He was part of the first Rochdale Stadium board and was Hornet’s chairman in 1990-91 when they played in the top flight and in 1991-92 when they reached the Lancashire Cup final.
In 1992 he was elected president of the Lancashire Rugby League.
Richard’s passion in summer was Norden Cricket Club, for whom he made more than 180 appearances at first and second team level in a career from 1953 to 1983, his appearances having been limited by Rugby League duties.
After ending his playing days he became a Norden CC selector for a time and earlier this year he was elected a life member of the club. He was still a regular there with his friend Kate Davies until very recently.
Away from rugby and cricket Richard was involved with Rochdale Riding Club for a time and often helped set up the courses for the Holcombe Hunt point to point races.
A strong singer, he had been a member of the choir at St James’ Church, Ashworth.
Workwise he ran a brass foundry in Rochdale. He was in that business all his working life apart from a spell doing National Service.
His sister Barbara said: “He had to join the Royal Corps of Signals. But once they found he could play rugby and cricket he was in the regimental teams going up and down the country. I think he had a very nice Army life.”
Among the online tributes was one from former Norden CC player Robert Holmes who said: “It is impossible to remember Dick without smiling, RIP old boy, what a life you had.”
Stuart Barry wrote: “Some of my happiest sporting memories were playing with Dick as skipper during holidays. The sight of Dick stepping outside off stump (a la Viv Richards) and carting the ball over the clubhouse will remain with me forever.
“His legacy will always be to live life with a smile on your face. Rest in peace pal, thanks for the memories.”
There has also been a message of condolence received from former NCC professional Peter Gladigau in Australia.
The funeral will be on September 14, 12.30pm at St James’ Church (Ashworth Chapel) then 1.40pm at Rochdale Crematorium. There will later be a reception at Norden CC.
Perhaps the last words should go to Swinton Lions RL who said: “Richard was a man of Rugby League. Above all else he was a lion of Station Road. James Richard Bonser – thank you.”