Western Times, Southmolton wrestling advertisement: Devonshire style (1868)

WRESTLING AT SOUTHMOLTON, DEVON. A GRAND WRESTLING MATCH will take place in a Field at the back of Mr. LUXTON’s ANCHOR INN, South-street, in the town of Southmolton, on THURSDAY and FRIDAY, 18th and 19th JUNE, when the following Prizes will be awarded:

Best Man: £5 0s 0d. Second: £2 10s 0d. Third: £1 0s 0d. Fourth: 10s 0d. Standards 2s each, except those not in attendance when called upon to play, and those who are known to give their backs. All deserving players will be rewarded according to merit, and particularly those from a distance.

The play will be in the Devonshire style, with fair shoes and padding. No man will be allowed to kick with irons on his shoes. Impartial triers will be chosen, who will decide all falls. The men will be matched by a committee of gentlemen of the town and district, who will also settle all disputes.

Any man who may insult the triers, committee, or other assistants, shall be disqualified from playing, and forfeit all claim to prizes or standard money. Refreshments of all kinds will be on the ground, the admission to which will be 6d each. Play to commence at Two o’Clock each day. Dated May 28th, 1868.