Western Times, Devon wrestling: Argus no. 3 — Cooper and the new school (1879)

DEVON WRESTLING. BY ARGUS.—NO. III. It is now many years since Cann made all Devonians proud of his splendid wrestling bouts, not only in this County, but in Leeds, London, and other places. Since his time many others have been brought into notice, perhaps none more prominently than the late Thomas Cooper, who being several inches taller than Cann, and possessed of a powerful frame, immense reach, and plenty of pluck, was considered the best man to do battle for Devon against our Cornish rivals.

Perhaps the most notable was Sam Rundle, who may be described as a Pocket Hercules. Eleven years since, when a mere lad, he was called upon for the finishing bouts to face Cooper, and the ring was completely surprised by the manner in which he broke through Cooper’s guard, and in a trice threw him a splendid tuck so fairly that even Cooper threw off his jacket, saying he wanted no referee to decide—it was fairly done.

Cooper’s last match was a sham none who beheld it could for a moment doubt. This contest, which had been long talked of, was expected to be a great one. All who paid money for admission found that they had been “sold,” and that gate money was of greater interest than Devon wrestling. Who then can wonder at former supporters showing their disapprobation by absenting themselves? Argus.