Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Barnstaple wrestling: Devon and Cornwall standards (1842)

NORTH DEVON. Barnstaple.—The wrestling match that came off at this place last week was attended by some of the best players in the western counties; and also, from day to day, by a large number of spectators. It commenced on Wednesday the ult.

Standards made included: William Tucker, of Marwood; George Crocker, Chittlehampton; William Hodge, Cornwall; Joseph Hodge, Cornwall; William Webber, Challacombe; Robert Hunt, Braunton; John Hunt, Witheridge; Richard Squires, Challacombe; William Tucker, Braunton; Henry Phillips, Bratton; John Andrews, Ilfracombe; George Paul, Bishopstawton; Lewis Dascombe, Bishopsnympton; James Lockyer, Southmolton; David Pile, Challacombe; William Chapple, Meshaw; John Turner, Kingsbury; Simon Webber, Burrington; William Adams, Sherwell; James Thomas, Highbickington.

The prize was awarded to Pile; the second to Wm. Webber; the third to Turner; the fourth to Chapple; and the fifth to Phillips. The sixth and seventh prizes were not awarded.

Although the weather was not so favourable as might have been desired, there was some excellent play. The Committee, however, expressed their regret at what had taken place with respect to Pile and Chenaugh, as this, they say, was the third challenge given and accepted by the two counties of Devon and Cornwall, and the third time that the Cornishmen had been ousted by unfair means.