Lloyd’s Weekly Newspaper, Brecknock Arms: Cann and Polkinghorne as triers (1846)

CORNISH AND DEVON WRESTLING. The first day’s amusement of the above grand match came off on Monday at the Brecknock Arms, Camden Town. The two celebrated wrestlers, Polkinghorne and Cann, were expected to be there as spectators, but Cann was unable to attend in consequence of illness.

On the second day’s amusement the old Devonshire veteran, Abraham Cann, was able to make his appearance on the same ground with his old opponent Polkinghorne. His reception was exceedingly hearty on both sides, both Cornish and Devon, three cheers being given on his coming forth.

On Wednesday: Polkinghorne, Abraham Cann, Oliver, and Rowe officiating as triers. Dyer, C., timed Speare, and threw Simmonds, D., and became a double player.

At this period of the proceedings, Cann having momentarily retired, Oliver took the opportunity of addressing the patrons of wrestling on the subject of the long illness, and narrowed circumstances of the veteran Devonian; the result of the appeal was that on Cann’s return, he was presented with six pounds.

Thos. Gundry, C., and George Snell, D., two heavy weights, made a most interesting bout. Gundry, after some turning, got him together and brought him down a clean back fall.

FIRST PRIZE: Oliver, Cornwall. SECOND: Gundry, Cornwall. THIRD: Harvey, Devon.