Exeter Flying Post, Exeter Grand Wrestling: Cann vs Wreford (1826)

WRESTLING.—The Exeter, the grand Metropolitan Match, commenced on Monday morning, at eleven o’clock, in the spacious ring in St. Thomas. The Champion entered the ring at six o’clock; he entered with the band playing “See the conquering Hero comes.” No time was lost, and stout, young, and prime as was his opponent, in two minutes he was on his back. SECOND DAY.—24 standards being made.—Then came Abraham Cann and Wm. Wreford. It was a fine, a never to be forgotten turn, the whole globe might be traversed over without such a treat being again afforded—it was science carried to its utmost extent throughout.—the catches and kickings, with the chances often apparently equal, were superior to any thing the oldest wrestler present had ever witnessed.—for 131 minutes the ring was in a state of breathless suspense.—The Champion prevailed, and the brave Wreford was nothing disheartened at being thrown by such a competitor. In the final Round: Snell fell to A. Cann, the Champion who had the first prize of 10 sovs.; Jackman fell to Snell who had the second prize of 5 sovs.; Jackman the third of 2 sovs.; and Kent the fourth prize of 1 sov. Polkinghorne did not appear, neither did Woolaway and some others to whom handsome invitations had been sent.