WRESTLING.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LX, Issue 210, 3 August 1940, Page 12

WRESTLING.

BLOAIFIELD v. CORBETT. The kind of wrestling that is the delight of New Zealand followers of the sport is the kind that has made SergeantMajor “Lofty” Blomfield the biggest drawing card that the game in this country has known. The biggest crowds are invariably those that gather at Blonifield’s matches, and when he is matched with an opponent who has the ability necessary to extend him to the utmost it is frequently impossible to find accommodation for all the intending spectators. There will bo such an occasion at Palmereton North on Thursday night, when Blomfield will meet Joe Corbett, the ‘*Boslon Adonis,” at the Opera House. Military duties have prevented Blomfield from fulfilling as many engagements as usual this season, but they have also kept him amazingly fit and have also prevented his suffering from the effects of overwork and too much travelling. Consequently his performances have been marked by a freshness and lively vigour that it was not always possible to maintain in tho past. Blomfield has figured in some memorable tussles this year owing to the exceptionally high all-round quality of the imported men, but, no matter tho obstacle, he has faced it in his usual determined style and has generally managed to surmount it. Not only has he done so, but he has also delighted tho spectators more than ever by his rugged and aggressive methods. Blomfield is forever thinking out new ideas for gaining quick successes and the celebrated octopus clamp by no means represents the limits of his inventiveness in this direction. Corbett is an ideal opponent for Blomfield. His. quiet air is liable to give a false impression of what is to ho expected from him in tho ring, but this is quickly removed once he goes into action. Not rmly is he one of the cleverest, of pre-sent-day \Vrestlers, having drawn with AlcCready and beaten Katan during his present tour, but also he can supply a full share of the fireworks when the action begins to get boated—us lie showed in beating Raines in five rounds. Patrons are advised to book as early as possible at Collinson • and Cunninghamch, where tho box plans open at 9 a.m. on Alonday.