WRESTLING

Press, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22245, 9 November 1937, Page 12

WRESTLING

MCCREADY BEATS WALKER BOUT LASTS ONE ROUND (CRESS ASSOCIATION TILIGBIM.) WELLINGTON. November 8. The long-awaited wrestling bout between George Walker and Earl McCready took place to-night at the Town Hall. Wellington, and was a complete fiasco. It lasted less than one round—to bo exact, 9 minutes 50 seconds. At the end of that time Walker submitted to a hammerlock applied by McCready and retired from the contest Incapacitated. The big crowd took the result with apparent equanimity. For about two years wrestling supporters had discussed the possibilities of these two professional heavy-weights meeting, but as thev were wrestling then under different controlling bodies, the match could not be arranged. Both wrestlers laid claim to the title of British Empire champion; the title is no longer disputable. Interest was therefore high when the two men entered the ring to-night. The Town Hall was crowded and both received loud ovations. McCready made his appearance ftrst and stood grim and silent in his corner, while Walker bowed to his supporters. who greeted him with a great roar of applause. McCready weighed 16st 71b. Walker 15st 21b.

For a long time the two wrestlers exchanged tentative grips. From a referee’s hold McCready forced Walker to the ropes, when he promptly thrust his head and shoulders through and the referee separated them. Walker gave way before McCready’s advance and again and again sought refuge in the ropes. McCready tripped him, but before he could apply a toehold Walker had wriggled under the ropes. For fully eight minutes this unsuccessful chase continued. Walker obtaining sanctuary every time before McCready could apply a single effective hold. Finally McCready trapped Walker in the middle of the ring, tripped him. and as he scuttled on all fours for safety, caught him and closed with him. There was a brief tussle on the mat and then McCready developed a hammerlock, the sole effective wrestling hold seen in the whole bout. He applied the pressure and Walker beat the mat with his hand. ■ The referee pulled McCready off. Walker’s attendants lifted him to his corner, but when the gong went for the second round and McCready advanced across the ring Walker remained seated In his corner. The referee approached him and questioned him. He then turned to McCready and raised his hand. The spectators stood in stunned silence while Walker climbed out of the ring.

M’CREADY TO MEET WOODS

Back from a successful tour of Australia, Earl McCready, British Empire heavyweight champion, will meet Joe Woods, a finalist in the New Zealand elimination tournament, in the final bout of the wrestling season at Christchurch to-night. McCready returned to New Zealand for three matches before he leaves for the United States. He has wrestled and beaten Walker and will wrestle Woods and Blomfleld. No match should be harder than his match in Christchurch, for Woods's form in recent weeks has been impressive.

The opportunity will be the last Christchurch fans will have for probably a year ,or/ two to see McCready in action. He is a strong, capable, and speedy wrestler, especially good on defence, and yet powerful and punishing once he takes the offensive.

Woods will do his best to defeat McCready, and his exceptional stamina, physique. and success with the elbow jolt should make him an outstanding opponent for an outstanding match.