Egan, Eagle Tavern five-day games: Sambell, Steers, Olver and Cann (1829)

In the middle of July, 1829, the Eagle Tavern, in the City Road, was again the scene of Sporting events for five days in succession. Benjamin Sambell, a Cornishman, and Samuel Steers, a Devonshire man, both of first-rate science, were called on to oppose each other; and from that moment the games became lively, and far more interesting.

On Thursday the double-play was renewed. James Cann, of Devon, and Olver, of Cornwall, were then called, and entered the ring amid loud cheers, as the hopes of their respective counties appeared to depend on the result of their contest. In about ten minutes, however, Olver threw him by one of those high forehips, which appear to be so dangerous to himself to try, but which, he assures us, are perfectly safe and effective. Wrayford, Devon, was then called on to oppose James Rook, of Cornwall; but he fared no better than his friend Cann, which blighted all the hopes of the Devonians. Olver caught Rook up in his arms, as if he had been a child, and carried him out of the ring in triumph, while the exultation of the Cornishmen knew no bounds.

Source: Egan, P. (1836). Pierce Egan’s Book of Sports. T. Tegg, London.