Exeter Flying Post, Okehampton Grand Wrestling: Cann champion (1824)

WRESTLING.—The grand Wrestling Match, which took place at Okehampton on Thursday and Friday last, has, as was anticipated, afforded one of the richest treats ever witnessed by the admirers of this manly exercise, the excellent science and John Bull like courage here displayed, excited the admiration and applause of every one present. By 1 o’clock, P. M. of the first, the town of Okehampton presented a gay scene, it was literally thronged with persons, many of our principal sporting characters having arrived at the White Hart Inn, and a large number of first-rate men, as wrestlers, were in attendance, among whom we noticed Abraham Cann, Jordan, Woolaway, Jackman, Stone, the Jury’s, Harris, Smale, &c. &c. An excellent spot was chosen, on which a spacious ring was formed, and the various booths well arranged, the whole being under the management of a committee, who, as well as the triers, deserve much praise for the great attention and impartiality displayed in the discharge of their several duties. The single play produced some fine turns, and at 4 P. M. on the second day, 15 men, forming the pride of Devonshire, sat about contending for the prizes, Bolt and Woolaway first entered the ring, when the former was thrown; he was succeeded by Ab. Cann, and it would be impossible to convey to our readers even a faint idea of the immense anxiety manifested by the spectators during this arduous struggle, as independent of the many heavy bets depending on the issue of this fall, they were considered the champions by their respective partizans, but the cool firm courage and skill of Cann prevailed, and after a struggle of 1 hour and 56 minutes duration, Woolaway was thrown; the contest between James Jury and James Stone, lasted 40 minutes, when the former was thrown. Jury has a fine manly form, is 6 feet 3 inches in height, possesses much science, and bids fair to become in a short time a formidable rival to Cann.—The play lasted till a late hour, when Abraham Cann was announced the champion, amidst thunders of applause, the second prize was awarded to Jackman, the third to Stone, and the fourth to Jury.