STRENUOUS WRESTLING

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20362, 17 September 1929, Page 12

STRENUOUS WRESTLING

[SINGH BEATS FARMER VANCE.

• DECISION IN FOURTH ROUND.

HUNDREDS \ REFUSED ADMISSION.

Hundreds of peoplo were unable to gain admission to the, Town Hall last evening when- tho Zoaland Wrestling Association staged another professional contest hetween Naranjan Singh, India, and • Farmer Vance, light-heavy-weiglH champion of Canada. Singh won in the fourth round, having secured two falls to onoV His first fall was obtained in tho first round, while Vance won a submission fall in tho third round. The ending was as sudden as it was disappointing to the packed house. The fourth round had not long been in progress when Singh caught bold of the xopfos, Vance being behind him and endeavouring to pull him away. Suddenly the 1 Indian released his hold and fell backwards on top of Vance, who was knocked ont, and Singh pinned him without resistance. It was soma time before Vance recovered.

The bout right through wa3 one of very etranuous wrestling, neither man letting up* from the opening gong. Vance was trained down very fino and weighed in at il2st. lib. Singh's weight was announced at 13st. 021b. Vance found the /difference in weight a big handicap to him. Challenges to Winner. Prior -to the commencement of the bout Walter Johansson, light-heavy-,weight champion of Finland, and Tom 'Alley, the Mormon mat mail, were introduced to the crowd as boing willing to meet tho winner. Jack Sorenson, the 'American heavy-weight, who is to meet Georgo Walker to-morrow week, was also introduced. An orchestra of twelve played selections prior to the commencement of proceedings, and between the amateur preliminaries and the main contest. Mr. Val Dunne refereed the amateur bouts and Mr. Len Wilson the professional contest. Tha referee's instructions to Singh were issued through an interpreter, as the Indian is unable to speak tho English language. Singh early secured a toehold and then tried unsuccessfully for a standing splits. The Indian had Vance in difficulties with a leg and arm lock but as tho men were under the ropes they were recalled into the ring. Singh again threw his opponent and then pinned him with a body press, securing' the first fall. Concession in Weight. ,/ Soon after tho second round commenced Singh applied a standing splits, but [Vance responded with a toehold. Holds and counter-holds followed in quick succession. Vance was finding his concession in weight very troublesome. Ihe ' Canadian was unable to turn a headlock to advantage. Vance secured another toehold, but Singh escaped through tho ropes. Tho crowd cheered Vanco when he applied a headlock, but once again Singh wriggled free. Tho Indian nad ,Vanco in a headlock at the gong. Singh tried to throw his man at the beginning of the'third round, but Vance secured some headlocks which, however, he could not hold. After the pair had •been recalled from beyond tho ropes Vance applied a reverse toehold which forced the Indian into submission, and the crowd cheered with delight. Singh opened the fourth round with a headlock which Vance broke with a toehold. Vance tiied headlocks and then a body hold. Singh caught hold of the ropes and Vance tried hard to pull him away. Singh let go suddenly and the pri'ir fell heaviiv to the mat, Vance being underneath, lie was knocked completely out and took some time to revive. It was scarcely necessary for Singh to pin his opponent's shoulders. The spectators were obviously disappointed at the defeat of the favourite and swarmed round the ring waiting for v Vanco to recover. Amateur Preliminaries.

Feather-weight.—H. Brewer, Bst. 121b., teat A. Webb, Bst„ 121b., by one fall. After an uninteresting bout Brewer sectored a body press to win in the last round. . , Light-weight.—R. Pilkington, 9st. 61b., drew with G. Packman, 9st. 101b., each securing a fall. This bout opened full of nctibn between two clever exponents. Pilkington gained the first fall from a headlock. Early in the third Packman secured a crucifix hold, ending the bout in a draw. This was easily the most scientific and fastest amateur bout seen this season.

Catch-weight.—L. Vickerman, lOst. 121b., drew with C. McKay, list. 41b., ■with a fall each. McKay secured the first fall from a body press. Vickerman gained the second fall from a combined arm scissors and arm bar hold. weight.—E. Wills, list. 101b., he.it F. Johansson, list. 61b.,' by two straight fall-.. Wills quickly obtained a headlock and the first, fall. The decisive fall was from a double arm roll. Wills was too strong for his opponent.