WRESTLING

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXIV, 25 June 1931, Page 6

WRESTLING

DEMETRAL BEATS HIGGINS - “'W BOUT ENDS IN FIFTH ROUND ONI 1 " FALL EACH. BUT AUSTRALIAN COULD NOT CONTINUE Tlic professional wrestling bout between Harry Demetral, the Greek champion, 13st 61bs. and Jack Higgins, of Australia, 13st Gibs attracted a largo house including a number of ladies to the Theatre Royal last night, and patrons saw five rounds of clever grappling before Higgins was injured and was unable to continue. It was a good clean exhibition with plenty of action and the crowd, although a little disappointed that the bout did not last longer, was well satisfied with the first professional contest staged by the newly-formed Nelson Wrestling Association.

In the first round the wrestlers seemed to be getting each other’s strength, and look few risks, as well they might, for they had not met before, and Demetral, making his first appearance in New Zealand after coming from America with a good record, was more or less an unknown quantity. Near the end of the round Higgins put a severe leg ’ splits on his opponent but the Greek managed to free himself. The opening of the second round saw Demetral secure an arm liar and wristlock which he held for some time before Higgins countered with a wristlock which he released to gain a standing splits. After a big effort Demetral caught the Australian off his balance and broke the hold. Demetral found it hard to get out of a short arm scissors. The third round lasted only a minute in which time Higgins,'well known for his hcadlocks, secured a flying headlock on Demetral and gained a fall. His early success was very popular. The fourth round, was the best. Higgins got a severe leg splits on the Greek who crawled out of the ring. Higgins got out of a nasty arm strangle and then Demetral secured a body scissors which Higgins broke. Demetral gained a double toe hold on Higgins who twisted suddenly and again put the splits hold on his opponent. The Greek broke it and got into position for a face bar. A half-Nelson and body press by Demetral then had Higgins slruggliiig but he gradually worked his way free and got to his feet. The beginning of the fifth round promised to develop some fireworks when Higgins three times in quick succession secured forward headlocks on Demetral and dumped him onto, the canvas. Higgins attempted another hendloek hut this time Demetral countered with a reverse body slam which pinned his opponent for a fall and rendered him unable to continue. Demetral was declared the winner by referee J. Fingland. Thus the bout came to a sudden end when it promised to become most exciting. The. crowd appeared to be keen on the sport and barracked for their fancied competitor. “Gome on the Aussie! Good old Aussie!” was replied to by counter cries for the Greek. All considered the patrons at the first such match in Nelson, enjoyed themselves. Tho Greek’s sportsmanship in his ready help and concern for his injured opponent was much appreciated by the crowd. , THE AMATEURS Before the commencement of the programme, the President of the Association,, Mr C. Wcbley, expressed pleasure at the strong support the public had given them for their first bout. The two Wellington amateurs, Cutts and Needham, then gave a demonstra-

tion of holds whigli was very interesting to a public new to the sport. Three amateur bouts were contested.

Harry Melvegncy and Paul Wilson, both local amateurs, were the first pair. Wilson secured a fall in the first of three five minute rounds. In the next round McKegney gained a fall and won the bout by a second fall in tho third round. The bout between D. Glover and J. Muncaster, also local enthusiasts, was more skilful than the, previous one, Muncaster gained a submission fall in the first round. There was no fall in the second round and in the third Muncaster gained the decision by the second fall to his credit.

Tho Wellington lightweights, J. Needham 9.3 and C. Cutts 9.5, who were sent over by the Wellington Association to assist the Nelson Association in its first effort, provided an interesting bout for a draw in three rounds. Their exhibition was clever and tho crowd showed its appreciation.