DINNIE AND THOMAS.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume 6, Issue 1745, 25 July 1884, Page 2

DINNIE AND THOMAS.

There was a 'large attendance in Matthews Brothers' Circus, Sandhurst, on July 8, to witness the wrestling match between Donald Diunie and Thomas (of Eaglehawk); The supporters of Thomas having been desirous of bringing about a match accepted ,£3O to £2O, and agreed he should wrestle five styles, namely, Cumberland, Scottish, Cornish, GrsecoRoraan, and Sir John Astley's champion style. Choice of style having been tossed for after each round, each competitor selected a judge and agreed mutually as to the appointment of a referee. Mons, Victor was selected as judge for Einnie and Mr G. Graham acted in the same capacity for Thomas. Thomas is admittedly but slightly acquainted with the GracoJßonian style while Dinnie professes to be thoroughly ignorant of the Cornish. In these two points the competitors were equalised; but the difference being in favor it was generally considered that in all styles, perhaps except the Cornish, Dinnie would prove the victor. Thomas says that he did not train for the match, and was in fact, working in. the Ellenborough mine as usual on Thursday. The appearance of the two men in the arena was the signal for hearty applause. Thomas, a man of more than the average height, and well developed, standing singly, would create afavorble impression; but he was fairly eclipsed by Dinnie. Thomas won the toss, and chose the Cumberland style, being that with which he is most acquainted. It was some time before the men got a hold, and alter a little play the Scot secured a clean fall in 2mii: 15sec. The easy manner in which Thomas was overpowered in this style created some surprise, but it was explained byThomasthathe did not get a good hold. Thomas, who again won the toss, selected the Cornish style, He led off by trying to trip; but Dinnie. who appeared to be acting on the defensive, exercised great caution, and seemed to be immovable. Thomas had much the better of the hold, but Dinnie slipped his head, and matters were pretty even. Thomas then .again tried to trip'his burly opponent; but Diunie, when on the point of being worsted, quickly recovered j and both, as by mutual consent, slipped their canvas jackets. After a short respite the contest was resumed, and became more exciting. Dinnie, by the exercise of his great strength, got Thomas down on one knee after a struggle which lasted 2min, lOsecs. Having regained his feet, Thomas entered into the contest with great vigor, and amid great applause laid the Scot tairly on his back. The first fall for Thomas was then announced. The time occupied in the Cornish style contest was llmin. 45secs. On the coin having been tossed Thomas had again the choice of styles, and selected the Scottish. The principal point of difference in this style i& that when an opponent is thrown he must be held on the ground for 30secs. Dinnie had little difficulty in throwing Thomas, and when down he firmly pinioned him to the ground. Two tails for Dinnie as against one for Thomas was then declared. Sir John Astley's style was next chosen. A back hold above the waist, no tripping, and any fall to be a win, are the principles'of this style of wrestling. There was a little play between the competitors for some minutes, when Dinnie swung round Thomas, who slipped. Thomas then caught the Scotchman round the body, and forced him down on one hand and one knee, Dinnie appealed, but the umpires were against him, and two falls for Thomas were given out, making matters even. The contest for the remaining style—Grrcco-Roman—wa s regarded as a gift to Dinnie, and so it proved. The contest lasted 2min. 30sec, Dinnie was then declared the winner amid applause,