IN THE RING

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XXIII, Issue 211, 19 August 1933, Page 2

IN THE RING

ACTIVITIES OF THE MATMEN WALKER'S TRIUMPHANT TOUR ENDS. REMARKABLE CHAIN OF SUCCESSES. (By “Ringsider.”) One of the most strenuous programmes that could be imagined was completed last evening at Hawera by George Walker, the champion wrestler, who, since last Monday week, has toured the Dominion and contested ten bouts, winning them all. During the past twelve days Walker has met five different opponents —Pereira, Patterson, Varga, Clark and Oswald- so that his tour has been a real triumph. It is quite on the cards that next month he will undertake another “all-round” excursion and visit places that he passed over on the tour just completed. One of the most important bouts on the programme was the opening match against Count Varga, at Auckland, where he “put one across” the Austrian in the first thirty seconds of the bout to secure the only fall of the match. This was his first encounter with Varga, who gave a great showing, but could not pin the Pliar Lap ot the ring. A week later Walker and Hank Oswald met lor the first time, and once again the champion showed his skill. In the sixth session he tricked Oswald to secure the only fall of the bout with a jack-knife hold, and so added another “scalp” to his collection.

Oi the team of overseas matmen now in New Zealand Walker has decisions over all but two —Mamos, with whom he drew in a thrilling match at Auckland and Ramberg, who has not entered the same ring with Walker—and both, like Walker, have not been defeated as yet, so that next month should see the “big” matches drawing record attendances. To date Romberg has had 24 bouts and won all except one, when he drew with Mamos. Walktr is unquestionably a great card, and his appearance is always greeted with a “full house” sign whether ir the city or in the country towns. Pereira in Demand. Despite Walker’s hectic twelve days the busiest matman of them all Is Al Pereira, who has figured in more matches than any other wrestler this season. With every bout he is improving and he is a worthy opponent at all times to the “top liners.” Pereira is a versatile wrestler. He neither asks for or gives any concessions, and his record is consequently full of the class of matches that thrill audiences.

On Thursday night at Napier he had his sixth meeting with Walker, but for all that the Portuguese cut a fine figure and was an easy winner, on points, to say nothing of having a fall in hand, up to the seventh round. Though Walker has secured the decision every time the Portuguese has benefited by experience. In the first three encounters Walker claimed the only fall in each bout, but since then Pereira has claimed first fall against Walker, who, in consequence, has had to extend himself.

Apart from having six draws, Pereira’s wins are as frequent as his losses.

“Whiskers” Blake Departs.

Three overseas wrestlers have now left New Zealand after appearing in the Dominion, the last to .depart ..being ..“Whiskers” Blake, who left early last week for Sydney after having visited almost every town where there is an association affiliated to the New Zealand Union.

The bearded contortionist of the ring took New Zealand by storm and enjoyed a wonderful tour financially. From the wrestling aspect, however, he was outclassed by the remainder of the wrestlers, though he never failed to provide plenty of action and entertainment.

His record, with those of Dr. Hall and “Big Bill” Beth (both of whom left without the sanction of the New Zealand Union) are as follows:— “Whiskers” Blake —won against Pereira and Patterson; drew with Patterson; lost to Walker (3 times). Varga, (5), Mamos (4), Pereira (2), Rumberg and Patterson. Totals: Won 2 drew 1, lost 16. Doctor Hall—Beat Patterson (twice), Beth and Pereira; drew with Pereira. Totals: Won 4, drew 1. “Big Bill” Beth—Beat Patterson (twice),, lost to Hall, Patterson and Mamos. Totals: Won 2, lost 3.

FUTURE FIXTURES. To-night— Rumberg v. Patterson, at Auckland. Varga v. Oswald, at Wanganui. August 21 — Walker v. Varga, at Wellington. Mamos v. Clark, at Christchurch. Pereira v. Oswald, at Stratford.

August 24 — Rumberg v. Pereira, at Nelson.

August 25— Robin v. Patterson, at Napier.

August 26— Mamos v. Oswald, at New Plymouth Pereira v. Rumberg, at Westport. August 30 — Rumberg v. Pereira, at Hastings.