Sporting Chronicle, Green Man Tavern wrestling and single-stick (1827)

WRESTLING. WRESTLING IN THE KENT ROAD.—On Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, a wrestling match for thirty sovereigns took place on the bowling-green of the Green Man Tavern, in the Kent-road. During the play on Tuesday, when Gaffney and Copp were contending for the fall, a Mr. Vicary, landlord of the Rose and Crown in London-lane, Bermondsey, entered the ring. He showed that he possessed no ordinary science, as well as strength. He laid poor Tom Thorne flat, and threw him. The third fall was very interesting, and after a severe trial, Mr. Vicary gave Thorne an opportunity of making the inner crook; and then upon Thorne’s own crook, threw him one of the finest falls ever witnessed. The applause which succeeded, was deafening. Copp and Chapple then tossed for the fall, which was won by Copp. It was finally agreed that Copp should have the first prize, of 10l.: Rowe the second, of 8l.; Chapple the third, of 3l.; and Thorn and Fisher the fourth.