Wrestling

Manawatu Times, Volume 63, Issue 181, 3 August 1938, Page 2

Wrestling

RAINES v. FRALEY A test of any wrestler’s ability is the number of times he is able to secure matches in one town or city. With this in mind, it is possible to get an idea of tho high esteem with which Dick Raines is held by wrestling enthusiasts in Wellington. He is the first wrestler in the history of wrestling in New Zealand to figure in four successive bouts in the Capital City. Cowboy Baines had as his opponent in one match in Wellington none other than tho other cowboy, Pat Fraley, and tho match sent the spectators into a state of delirium. Both men used flying tackles, drop-kicks and forearm jolts with abandon and angled for the uso of their specialty holds. Baines favours the back-breaker and aeroplane spin, whilo Fraley has a match winner with his flying toe-hold. These men will have the return bout at the Opera House to-morrow night and patrons are assured of a splendid bout. There is no love lost between these wrestlers. Apart from the natural rcsontment felt by Fraley at another cowboy wrestler coming to New Zealand, there is tho traditional State rivalry that exists between the State of Nebraska (represented by Fraley) and the State of Texas (represented by Baines). This rivalry is strong and American matchmakers, when seeking a “needle” match, do their best to match a Texan against a Nebraskan—fireworks are certain to follow. Baines is particularly keen to show Palmerston North wrestling enthusiasts his real ability. He feels disappointed that the ring collapsed in his previous match at Palmerston North, thus preventing him from using the ropes for his attack, but looks forward to meeting a similar type of wrestler in a ring which he knows will be reinforced and protected against another breakage. Raines, two weeks before Nagurski took tho world title from Dean Detton, almost ruined Nagurski’s chances of getting the title match. He had the coming champion in a bad way and had lifted him aloft for the ‘ ‘ backbreaker” when Nagurski twisted and fell sideways on to Raines’s knee, injuring Baines, who had to bo content with a draw. Plans may be seen at Collinson and Cunninghame’s.