WRESTLING.

Hokitika Guardian, 15 October 1930, Page 3

WRESTLING.

EDAVARDS V. ALLEY

BRUTAL TACTICS USED (By Telegraph—Per Press Association.) WELLINGTON, October 14. Five sensational minutes, packed with extraordinary scenes, brought an end to the battle at the Town Hall to-night between the 'wrestlers, Tom Alley (13.2) and Billy Edwards (13.3). Edwards was disqualified m the fourth round, and Alley’s hand was raised in Victory, although he was lying prone on the mat, unable to continue. Up to that point the combatants had a fall each. What followed Edwards’ disqualification was just as sensational as what had preceded it. The bout was refereed by Alex Lundyn, of Finland, the professional wrestler, who must be complimented on his fearless and continuous work. The trouble really began in the fourth round. Edwards was aiming a few short “rabbit killer” blows at the hack of Alley’s neck. Uppercutting, and some butting with the elbows followed, until the pair were becoming wilder and wilder every minute.

! A few halfhearted blows were the prelude to Edwards being brought to the mat with a headlock. There was nearly a free fight after Edwards landed an open-handed slap at Alley’s head. Edwards used an occasional knee, and finally he trapped Alley on the mat with a head ‘ scissors, and a further arm hold. When they got on their feet again, Alley began some butts to Edwards’ body. Edwards was moving along the ropes, coping with Alley. “Don’t do that,” he muttered at one stage, “I’ll knock your head olf !” Alley continued his butting, however, and Edwards was still being worked along the ropes. Then, finally, he came up with his knee into Alley’s .stomach. Alley staggered for-; ward to the. ropes with his hands to the*front of.his body., Edwards raced into Alley, put his knee against his

back, ancl pulled back the rope hard against Alley’s throat. Alley began to gasp, and Lundyn* the referee, rushed in to drag Edwards off. He tugged at Edwards, but still he remained. Finally, the referee: put an arm round Edwards’ neck, gave a heave, and the pair toppled over backward to the centre of the mat. Alley slumped down by the ropes, anci lay still. Up got Lundyn, and walked over to Alley, raising his arm for the decision. Then the referee went back to Edwards, who expostulated against the decision. An argument began, and finally Lundyn took Edwards by the throat, pushing him away. Edwards went to give Lundyn an uppercut, and Lundyn fell back to the mat. The audience was on its feet, hooting and booing Edwards, who stood i n his corner long after Alley had been helped from the ring, and was the centre of a hostile demonstration.