Western Times, Southmolton wrestling: Oliver, Ash, Burnett and Bragg (1881)
THE WRESTLING AT SOUTHMOLTON. Play was resumed on Friday at the Star Grounds, Southmolton. These are admirably suited to the occasion, being very large, and the play taking place on the green sward. The commodious Grand Stand was again well patronised by many leading gentlemen and farmers from the town and neighbourhood. The weather was again gloriously fine.
On two hats being called for, George Wreford threw his, and was faced by W. Cottie, who in the third round was thrown by the lock. Wreford next with the heaving toe threw Crews, and made himself the eighth standard. Burnett next met Huskins and Crews, and became the ninth standard. Bragg in three rounds disposed of Mutters. Thus the tenth standard was made by Bragg.
In the double play, Oliver and Ash contested most cleverly for twenty minutes. Their holds and trips were really grand ones; it ended by Ash getting the lock, which Oliver turned to good account by the pull under. This was at a time when 99 out of a hundred thought Oliver was falling undermost. Those who were judges blamed Ash for his rashness, it being well known that Oliver is particularly good at throws like this.
A feature of Saturday’s doings was the entrance into the ring of the celebrated Joe Milton, who is well known for his heavy matches with Pike, Baker, Oliver, Ash, Marks, Rundle, Burnett, Hooper, and Burley. Milton on this occasion had no difficulty in making himself a standard.
The men from the Crediton ring being paired off together, much of their expected success was marred. Burrows in seven rounds disposed of Gard, and young Brawn one smart round cleverly settled the pretentions of Burnett of Molton—he did so by the fore-hip.
The following passed their double play: H. Buckingham, Wreford, Brawn, Oliver, Bragg, B. Buckingham, Elworthy, Burrows, Willmott, and Greenslade.
To-day (Tuesday) a private match is arranged by Burrows, of Colebrook, and Gubb, of Barnstaple, the best three fair back falls, each one to name an umpire, and mutually agree upon the third. Notwithstanding the large numbers of people who have witnessed the sport, everything has passed off in a most orderly manner.—Argus.