Exeter Flying Post, Gaffney at Green Man: Kent Road wrestling for 30 sovereigns (1827)

Monday a wrestling match for different prizes, to the amount of 30 sovs. took place in the grounds of the Green Man, in the Kent-road. Between 2 and 3 o’clock the rules for regulating the play were read, and immediately afterwards Gaffney, the celebrated Irish wrestler, threw his hat into the ring, and was opposed by Pyle, a Devonian, well known as the proprietor of the wrestling rooms in Duke’s-court, Drury-street.

Several “foils” took place, mostly, if not all, in favour of Gaffney. After playing for seven minutes and a half, Gaffney caught Pyle by the back lock with the left, and Pyle fell undermost, but the umpires decided that it was not a fair back fall, and in this opinion they were supported by several of the spectators; while Gaffney, and several others, contended that it was. This caused great confusion; during which Gaffney quitted the ring, highly displeased with the decision of the umpires, and refused to play any more. We believe, however, an amicable arrangement was made between the parties to play again on Tuesday. Several excellent matches were afterwards played, which gave great satisfaction.