WRESTLING ENDS IN BRAWL

Evening Star, Issue 22955, 12 May 1938, Page 4

WRESTLING ENDS IN BRAWL

HECTIC SCENES IN MELBOURNE BEER BOTTLE HURLED INTO RING A brawl ended tho wrestling match between Dick Rallies (16.12), of Texas, and Pat O’Shocker (17.5), an IrishAmerican from Utah, at the West Melbourne Stadium on Saturday night. O’Shocker was disqualified and the decision went to Raines. A beer bottle which was thrown into tho ring from the audience broke and spattered glass fragments over spectators and officials. Women screamed and men hooted as attendants attempted to quell the outbreak. The bout ended in' an' atmosphere' of intense excitement. Before order had been restored the referee (Mr Bridges), who had been sent somersaulting across the ring after a blow from O’Shocker, signalled O’Shocker’s disqualification for refusing to relinquish a strangle hold on Raines. The contestants were equal, with one fall each, and Raines was declared the winner on a penalty fall. When O’Shocker realised that he had lost the decision he showed renewed ferocity and attacked Raines with his fists. Three times Mr Bridges tried to stop the fight, only to be assaulted by the incensed Irishman. Frenzied spectators added to the turmoil. Hysterical screams from -women mingled with yells and hoots of the men. Stadium attendants entered the ring, but were hurled aside like feathers by O’Shocker, who stamped and snorted like an angry bull. The combined efforts of seconds and attendants finally separated the fighting wrestlers, but when the Irishman, who was bleeding from facial injuries, saw his rival leaving the ring he swept aside the restraining forces and went into action with greater violence. Raines seemed willing enough, and wild looping right swings crashed to unprotected jaws, elbows thudded into massive frames, and the men hurled each other to the mat once more. The attendants and the manager (Mr 11. Lean) finally restored order, and l the men were escorted to their dressing rooms.

■ At no stage did the contest resemble in any way a tea party, but both men demonstrated some clever wrestling holds and counters. Mr Lean announced the offer of a reward of £2O for information leading to the conviction of the bottle-thrower. Two spectators attempted to grapple with the bottle-thrower as he rushed out of the hall, but the man escaped. Mr Lean also stated that at future contests more police protection would bo provided.