Western Times, Exeter wrestling: Puckey first prize (1869)

WRESTLING EXETER. A wrestling match commenced on Tuesday in a field adjoining the Old Tiverton-road. The total prizes amounted to £30. Mr. Bolt, of Upton Pyne, and Mr. Underdown, Pinhoe, the triers; Mr. J. Hall, of Whimple, was the umpire; Mr. Robert Britton, secretary.

Some fine play took place in the course of the afternoon, principally between local men. The wrestling commenced at three o’clock. The combatants had on canvas jackets with a lion painted on the back of each—one red, the other black. When the wrestlers entered the arena betting commenced. Two to one on the red or black as the case might be was the language of the “betting ring,” and the public gave expression to their feelings by “bravo black” (or red), and “well done little one,” their sympathies always being with the latter.

The following are among those who made standards on Tuesday: Jeffery, of Moreton; Chudleigh; Roberts of Exwick; Tapper, of Moreton; Darkin, of Exeter; Grose, of St. Austell; Milton, of Simonsbath. The wrestling was resumed Wednesday. The contest between James Trace, of St. Sidwell’s, and Morris, of St. Thomas, was a very good one and resulted in the former bringing his man to the ground by the “fore hip.” Burgess, of Exeter, followed, but Trace was again successful, Burgess being thrown by the “inside lock.”