Western Daily Press, Hackney Wick Devon and Cornwall wrestling: Menear champion (1868)

Devon and Cornwall Wrestling Matches.—These annual matches took place on Good Friday, at Hackney Wick, in the open air. The custom of wrestling in boots was done away with, and all the men wrestled with stockinged feet. The value of the prizes was £60.

R. Haywood (Devon) and Richard Dear (Cornwall)—After a dog throw, Haywood threw his opponent cleverly by the back-lock. Charles Moore (Cornwall) and R. Haywood (Devon) played time. Joseph Menear (Cornwall) and Samuel Haywood, of Devon—After some splendid play, in which Haywood once overthrew his opponent, Haywood, at the end of eight minutes, gained a splendid back fall by the backlock. Joseph Menear (Cornwall) and R. Haywood (Devon)—After playing one minute Menear got a pull under and threw his opponent a fair back fall. Joseph Menear (Cornwall) and James Culling (Devon)—Culling gave in, and Menear was declared first standard amidst loud cheering.

James Cornish (Cornwall) and Charles Moore (Cornwall)—Cornish at once threw his man by the inside hank, and became second standard. R. Haywood (Devon) and Abraham Salby (Somerset)—Haywood threw his man in three minutes by the inside hank.

The wrestling will be continued to-day and to-morrow.