GREAT WAESTLING MATCH.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1560, 24 March 1887, Page 3

GREAT WAESTLING MATCH.

Th<> ntrnt exciii g, severe and bis-pop-tested wrestling maioh ever seen in Juoi* bourne took plMi in Alexandria Theatre on the evening of the 11th instant. The eon* teitants were Thomas Cannon, from America, the champion Graeo Boman wrestler, and John Connor, Connor, who has won every mateh in which he has taken part, was the challenger, and has been molt pereiitent in his eagerness to gst on the mateh { the stakes were £3OO aside. The betting wai Bto 4 on Cannon, at which price Connor took up several wagerl. In the theatre the two men were thoroughly in earnest, and daeply excited, and the excitement lent itself to the spectators. In the first quarter of an hoar both men had dons more real work than is generally spread over an hour j tho American, who had baen confident at the start, graw more and more isrioni as Connor, by his smartness, agility, and determination, kept him continually on the defensive. When twenty minntee had expired the timekeeper declared the men must have a spell, which they reluctantly agreed to, The excitement bad been intense, end the audience were glad of the relief. No fall had taken place, bnt the betting wae now even, and all ths sympathy was with Connor. When tho wrestling wsa renewed there wae over ten minntee of most active work ere the fall eame. II was secured by Connor, who got Cannon over on to his head and hips, and by main strength (oread him down till hie shoulders both tonohed the boards. Amidst great cheering the referee gave ths fall to Connor. Cannon did not rise, Jnst as he sank down his eyes had rolled fearfully in their sockets, and it was thought something serious had happened, but after e moment or two he rote and staggered, rather than walked, to hie dressing room, A doctor examlntd him and f onnd one of the muscles of his beck so badly strained that farther wrestling was out of ths question, Connor, therefore, won tho match, after half an boor of tt»e keenest and severest wrestling ever witnessed in Melbourne. Cannon declares that when he has reeoveied ha will wrestle Connor again for any sun he likes to pat np.