THRILLING WRESTLING.

Auckland Star, Volume LX, Issue 226, 24 September 1929, Page 5

THRILLING WRESTLING.

ALLEY BEATS EKLUND. TWO FAIJLS TO ONE. WELLINGTON CROWD CHEER, (By Telegraph.—Special to "Star.") WELLINGTON, this day. A thrilling exhibition of wrestling was given by Torn Alley and Clarence Eklund before an excited and crowded house at the Town Hall last night. No doubt if this standard is maintained wrestling will bo most popular in Wellington, rivalling boxing. Much was expected of Eklund, the light-heavy champion of the world, and the crowd was not disappointed. For three- rounds he showed amazing speed and cleverness, and Alley was almost entirely on the defensive. Alley broke some holds with wonderful \ feats of strength and agility. Both J used their legs well, and at_ times the crowd was delirious with excitement. In the third round Eklund got a hammerlock-wristlock combination hold, which Alley could not break, and the champion secured the first fall. In the next round Alley had the crowd on their feet when he just missed his famous crucifix hold, which is considered unbreakable. However, by clever manoeuvring in the fifth round he got the hold, and Eklund submitted. The champion was dazed when he returned to his corner, and the end came with dramatic suddenness. The pair were on their feet when Alley slammed his opponent to the mat and fell on top of him, applying a body press which pinned Eklund's shoulders. Both men were cheered for the great display, and fans are already asking for a return contest. It is said the next match at Wellington will be between Farmer Vance and Alley, who is a firm favourite here.