Leeds press, Haigh Park wrestling full report: Cann first, Stone second (1828)
LEEDS, April 19.—The great wrestling match took place on Tuesday and Wednesday, on a stage erected in the centre of an enclosed piece of ground called “Haigh’s Park,” at Huddersfield.
About ten o’clock, Bell and Pook commenced, the latter was thrown; Pyle, one of the Devonshire men from London, then threw in his hat for five falls with any six strong men; when there appeared a stout man from Nottingham, known by the name of “Blue Cap,” and they contended near twenty minutes, when Pyle sent him rolling. Then appeared Mr. King, also a Devonian—the bout man threw several good players. James Stone, commonly called “Little Elephant,” appeared; Bell raised him up in his arms as he would a child.
Abraham Cann came forward and threw in his hat, when he was met by Joseph Butler, of Nottingham. The triple play commenced with James Cann and Jordan, the latter being absent; and Butler taking his place.
The quadruple play commenced with Bell and J. Stone, who threw him after several throws; and Roche won his place by lot. The same day, the contest between James Stone and Howard of Notts—who has proved himself an all-round double heaver—would have been more agreeable to his spectators. After Mr. Howard had given proofs of possessing his strength and coolness for three rounds of severe contest, he brought his formidable opponent fairly on his back in the fourth round. We have seen Stone play up to his own standard of authority, and beat many good wrestlers, but on this occasion he was certainly inferior to Howard.
It was very generally agreed to be the greatest good-tempered sport ever seen. No man has been injured, and all men appeared to agree with good manners.
Prizes awarded: A. Cann 1st, 30l.; James Stone 2d, 20l.; Bell 3d, 15l.; Jordan 4th, 10l.; R. Stone 5th, 7l.; Roche 6th, 5l.
William Clark has been matched against Robert Stone, for 20 sovereigns a side. Another match—Stone against a champion for £20 a side. Jordan desires to inform Polkinghorne, who he has heard is in London, that he will be prepared to make a match with him on his return for 100l. aside without shoes.