Western Times, Crediton wrestling and boxing: Roach vs Yeoman (1909)

OLD DEVON SPORT Wrestling and Boxing Matches at Crediton. Great interest was manifested Saturday night in a wrestling match for £5 a side between Walter Roach and Bob Yeoman. Roach was formerly the light-weight champion of Devon. The rules were Devonshire style, and the referee Bill Chamberlain (Cheriton) and the sticklers George Greenslade (Land Farm) for Yeoman, and Wm. Stone for Roach.

There were some preliminary boxing bouts. The first was between S. Vicary (Crediton), and M. Ingram (Exeter), six 2-minute rounds, Ingram pronounced winner. Next came F. Rice and Rice in six 2-minute rounds—decision in favour of the eldest brother, Jim Rice.

The rules for the wrestling were two backs out of three. Roach was the first in the ring, Yeoman following. The two men were greatly cheered entering the ring. Roach was, however, very much the lighter man, his weight 11st 2lbs and Yeoman 13st 3lbs. The strength and weight of Yeoman soon told on Roach, and the latter making a slip, Yeoman took instant advantage, throwing Roach a splendid back after 17 minutes’ play. After this there was a prize for local men—Bob Steer and Coles. Steer was cool as a cucumber, and threw his man in eight minutes amid applause.