Western Times, Carkeek vs Hancock at Newton Abbot: championship play (1887)

WRESTLING — CHAMPIONSHIP PLAY AT NEWTON ABBOT. Notwithstanding the fact that several wrestlers lay claim to the title of champion of Devon and Cornwall, not one can do so fairly, nor can any man even claim to be champion of either county.

The retirement of Robert Baker, after his match with Pike some eight years since, instead of clearing the way for other Devon wrestlers, has had quite the contrary effect. Pike at once laid claim to the championship of Devon, and offered to match himself against anyone for a good stake. The only one taking the challenge was poor old Sam Oliver. Pike was declared the winner, but his play was not nearly so smart as when he previously met Baker. Other promising Devon men also falling back, have nearly left the Cornishmen masters of the situation.

Two contests have been arranged and came off on Friday and Saturday at Newton Abbot, avowedly for the championship of Devon and Cornwall. On the first day J. Carkeek, champion of America, undertook to wrestle the sterling little Cornishman, Sam Rundle; and on the second day to meet Phil Hancock.

Carkeek’s meeting with Hancock on Saturday attracted a large number of people to the Market, there being from 600 to 800 present, among whom were many of the old leading ring-goers, who had great confidence in the skill and strength of Hancock, who certainly a model of a man, standing some 5 feet 9½ inches high, and weighing 14st. 4lbs. His age, however—44 years—was anything but in his favour. His opponent stood half an inch taller, weighed more than a stone less, but was nearly 20 years younger.

The arrangements entered into between Carkeek and Hancock were that the men were to play for £50 in the Cornish style without shoes, the best of five backs to decide; a back to consist of two shoulders and one hip, or two hips and one shoulder; either man intentionally falling on his knees to forfeit one back; three minutes allowed after each foil. Tom Bragg acted as referee; Mr. Benmore stood umpire for Carkeek; and Mr. Roberts for Hancock.

Hancock was not inclined to take the lead, but contented himself with getting good holds, and allowing his more youthful opponent to take the lead. Carkeek’s agility drew loud and continuous applause, and the fine foils of Hancock were likewise rewarded. In the tenth round Carkeek brought his man down heavily, and in the next round he succeeded in gaining a fall. After a little over an hour the men rested a quarter of an hour, when play was resumed, but no other back was won by either when ten o’clock was announced, so the match was postponed. The match has now to be decided.—Argus.