Exeter Flying Post, Cann–Polkinghorne Devonport match: full report (1826)
Wrestling at Devonport: THE RIVAL CHAMPIONS, CANN and POLKINHORN.
Anxious at all times to give the fullest and most impartial intelligence of all public events, our Reporter was sent specially to Devonport to attend the great Match at Wrestling between the Rival Champions at that place,—the following is a correct account of the whole proceedings:—
This long-talked-of match took place on Monday last, at Morice Town, Devonport. The spot chosen has commonly borne the name of Tamar Green; it is a large yard surrounded by houses, in order to facilitate the enclosure by a high wall. The ring was parabolical, 100 feet by 70; on the south side the seating was erected in five tiers, and on the north a small portion had 10 tiers of seats, the remainder 7 tiers—all round these erections did rest entirely on the earth, but were supported in the firm manner in which they were put together, being raised from the ground with ten-inch main stanchions. From 15,000 to 20,000 persons were present.
[Mr. P. is a native of St. Columb, Mr. P. was born in the parish of St. Kevern, is a fine looking, fair, and well-behaved man, 36 years of age, 6 feet 1½ inches in height, and weighs 14 score 9 lbs.—he is still considered to be rather too fat to wrestle. Cann, born in the parish of Colebrooke, nearly 32 years of age, 5 feet 8½ inches in height, weighs 8 score 15 lbs., and is a fine well-made man.]
The conditions of play were: The match was to be for 200 sovereigns, 100 each side, the best of three fair back falls. The triers for Devon were Mr. Wm. Snell, a respectable farmer of Coldford, in Colebrooke, and Mr. Rendell, auctioneer, of South Zeal, in South Tawton;—and for Cornwall, Mr. Nicholas Cross, of Landreth, and Mr. Jonathan Higgs, of St. Kew, both respectable farmers.
Polkinhorn wore a thick pair of stockings, over which was buttoned a pair of stout leather leggings; these were again covered with thick stockings, and over the whole a pair of loose trowsers—he was without shoes. Cann wore a thin pair of white stockings, and had a shoe on his right foot only.
FIRST TURN.—Both cautiously manoeuvred—at 3 min. to 1 Cann got a firm fastening on the collar of Polkinhorn with one hand, and immediately made his hold good with the other. Cann foiled a tremendous left-handed blow; in attempting the left lock he was foiled and nearly thrown. The struggle was tremendous, the Cornishmen cried “play fair.” On the part of Devonshire the fall was disputed; it was at last agreed to submit it to a fifth trier, in which decision Cann and his countrymen acquitted implicit obedience.
SECOND TURN.—Polkinhorn made the grapple. They immediately took hold, both having a very firm grip, and Polkinhorn firmly fastened to Cann’s collar, forcing his head at the same time against the breast of Cann. Cann had been once in extremity and was bearing Cann fast to the ropes, when the latter at all risks planted some most tremendous kicks, under which his huge opponent recoiled, evidently much punished, but kept his hold of Cann nevertheless. At 33 minutes to 3, Cann locked himself firmly in his antagonist,—the sight was almost fearful to look at, all were in breathless anxiety—Cann prevailed, and Polkinhorn was assailed with tremendous force to the ground.
The deafening shouts on one side and the clamour of the other that immediately succeeded this fall were remarkable. The Cornishmen rushed into the ring in vast masses, the men of Devon followed the example, and in a few minutes the seats were nearly deserted,—all order was lost,—and the triers could not agree. Cann stood erect,—he was the picture of patience,—his mild and placid features were lighted up by honest indignation. Fifty-five minutes of most valuable time was lost in discussion, during which the gentlemen of the Devon Committee proposed that both falls should be waived and the men begin anew. The Cornishmen would not listen for an instant. It was at last decided to settle it by a toss, which was lost by Devonshire.
THIRD TURN.—Polkinhorn had evidently made the best use of his time, he appeared much refreshed and paced the ring with a firm step. At 9 minutes past 3, Cann advanced to his opponent, and instantly seized him by the collar. Polkinhorn made most desperate efforts, pressed so firmly on the throat of Cann that the latter appeared in danger of strangulation—it was choking work. Polkinhorn seemed determined to bear down every thing before him, and rushing with a force that is indescribable at his opponent, broke down all his guard and seized him round the middle; Cann instantly locked himself to him, but all his efforts to lift were fruitless, and after another tremendous and terrific struggle Polkinhorn threw him on the ground, on his side, and instantly left the ring.—20 minutes past 3.
Cann kept the ring till near 4 o’clock. Polkinhorn displayed symptoms of great exhaustion and severe punishment. Polkinhorn’s friends claimed the prize. The Committees met the same evening at dinner, but not being able to agree as to the disposal of the prize, came to the resolution of adjourning the discussion of the subject to Tuesday morning at 10 o’clock.
SECOND DAY.—The indecision of the Committee threw a damp on the proceedings of the morning. Stone was again first in the ring. Wreford, Webber, Jordan, &c. were on the ground, and carried up some sailors and porters; but they were no matches and excited little interest.—The Cornish appeared disheartened and shy, and the nobility getting wroth, it was deemed advisable to close the business, the Committee dividing about £25 among the players.
Wednesday, 4 P.M.—Authentic Intelligence has just reached our Office, that the Committees at 3 o’clock this morning came to the resolution of returning the stakes to each party, making it a drawn Match.
Observations.—As to the men, those who saw this match will never forget them, and few probably who were strangers to Polkinhorn could have supposed such a man existed; his strength is immense; Cornwall will naturally be proud of him; still it is unlikely the rival Champions will ever meet more, or that in their persons the question will be decided, which of the two counties is the most skilled in wrestling. Cann’s freshness, science, and excellent stamina renders it matter of little doubt who would ultimately be the master—few that saw him at the close of the play at Devonport, even though they reside west of Tamar, will deny that he only such a man as this can retain the Championship.