Alex Bonham scores 64 points on his own as Dubbo CYMS crack triple figures against Wellington Cowboy
Nick Guthrie - Daily Liberal
Alex Bonham delivered one of the greatest individual performances in Group 11’s long and storied history on Sunday as Dubbo CYMS cracked triple figures for the second time this season.
Bonham scored 64 points on his own, scoring eight tries and booting 16 goals from 18 attempts, as the Fishies thumped a battling Wellington Cowboys outfit 104-6.
CYMS led 56-0 at half time and by that stage Bonham already had four tries to his name and the match was all but over.
The star halfback then continued dominating proceedings in the second half, leading many fans scouring the record books.
“Well ‘Bonho’ took a lot out of it,” CYMS coach Tim Ryan said when asked what his side takes from the result.
“He was very good. He just organised everything and obviously everyone was really good today.
A lot of people forget he’s only about 21 and he’s been really good for a long time...- Tim Ryan on Alex Bonham
“He (Bonham) still growing into the position as well, he started as a hooker. A lot of people forget he’s only about 21 and he’s been really good for a long time and he’s good defensively as well, that doesn’t get noticed as much.”
Respected rugby league statistician David Middleton stated on social media Bonham’s haul is likely a record for points in a game but it does trail one stunning effort.
In 1940, Alf Fairhall scored an incredible 11 tries and 14 goals but due to the points system in those days it only tallied 61 points.
As strange as it may seem, Bonham was extremely unselfish against Wellington and laid on a number of tries when he possibly could have gone on his own again.
Jyie Chapman, Wade Kavanagh, Viliame Turuva and Brad Pickering all bagged doubles while Kieran Cubby-Shipp and Joeby Vetaukula also crossed in the incredibly lopsided result.
“They were struggling a little bit with a lot of blokes playing reggies as well,” Ryan said of Wellington.
“It was difficult. No one likes seeing scores like that and you don’t even really enjoy it but it was just one of those things today.”
Bonham, who now has 220 points for the season, and his side are now guaranteed to finish as minor premiers and Ryan said it is “absolutely perfect” the Fishies have tricky away games at Nyngan and Forbes in the final two rounds.
DUBBO CYMS 104 (Alex Bonham 8, Jyie Chapman 2, Wade Kavanagh 2, Viliame Turuva 2, Brad Pickering 2, Kieran Cubby-Shipp, Joeby Vetaukula tries; Bonham 16 goals) defeated WELLINGTON COWBOYS 6 (Will Lousick try, Will Allen goal)