Western Times, Devon wrestling: Argus no. 4 — Pike and Baker (1879)

DEVON WRESTLING. By “Argus.”—No. 4. PIKE AND BAKER. Bow, neighbouring parish to Colebroke, once noted for its wrestling aspirants, has, during the past ten years, produced some very good wrestlers—the most notable of whom are Richard Pike, Robert Baker, Thomas Baker, and Samuel Battishill.

Richard Pike is held by many to be the real champion of Devon, his height (about six feet) and weight (over ten score) giving him great advantage. Some seven years since Pike was in London, and, in the name of Shepherd, soon established his right to be called best man among the Devon wrestlers there. At Lille Bridge Grounds, Brompton, this competition was open to all counties. Here Pike, after many hard bouts, succeeded in throwing the famous Cumberland wrestler, Dick Wright, but, owing to want of temper, he was thrown by a stalwart opponent named Snape.

Robert Baker is a remarkably good wrestler, and his style of play has been much admired. In 1871 Baker disposed of Burnett and Joe Milton, thus becoming possessor of a belt. In 1875 he succeeded in winning the first prize at Mount Radford. Argus.