Exeter Flying Post, Topsham wrestling report: Flower first prize (1827)

WRESTLING.—The Topsham match commenced on Monday last. On the first day, neither the play nor the appearance of the ring would bear a comparison with what has often been seen at this place; but the next morning ample amends was made for the disappointment of the preceding day, by the tumbling in of some prime ones, who soon diffused a proper spirit into every part of the proceedings, and by 3 o’clock, 22 standards were made.

George Vickery and James Webber opened the double play; when the former was thrown in 1 minute; Wm. Smith and Thomas Dunn succeeded, the latter being turned over in 5 minutes. John Cole and Benjamin Baseley gave the ring time to have a recollecting peep at both, Baseley being down in half a minute. The next turn between Robt. Westlake and John Lidwell—both well known men—for 20 minutes was the struggle most manfully maintained, when Lidwell was thrown.

Simon Webber and Charles Cleve stepped into the ring—every eye glistened with delight, and the most profound silence succeeded to the general shout with which their entrance was greeted—it was one of the finest displays of science ever witnessed, and Simon was the victor.

Robt. Underdown threw John Baker in 4 minutes; when the ring was occupied by those two prime worthies, the great Flower and Wm. Huxtable. The weight of Flower prevailed, and Huxtable was thrown.

Flower carrying off the 1st prize; S. Webber the 2d; and Underdown 3d.