SPORT OF WRESTLING.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20725, 19 November 1930, Page 17

SPORT OF WRESTLING.

DEPARTURE OF CONTESTANTS DOMINION UNION'S SEASON. LURICH AND WALKER AGAIN. Tho wrestling season in New Zealand has finished so far as tho Southern centres are concerned. Auckland, however, may see another match or so promoted by the New Zealand Wrestling Association.

George Kotsonaros, who left New Zealand yesterday to fulfil engagements in Hollywood, proved most popular during his short stay in Auckland, and showed that be is a class above tho other matmen who have performed here, the exceptions being John Pesek and George Walker, although Tom Lurich also made an unexpectedly good showing against the Greek. Tho exceptional speed and strength displayed by Kotsonaros surprised enthusiasts and his exploitation of his stopper hold, tho keylock, lent a new interest to his matches. Another thing which impressed itself upon Aucklanders was his sportsmanship in the ring. Last Saturday, against George Walker, tho Greek was handicapped by the effects of blood poisoning, and, as a matter of fact, ho was medically advised not to wrestle that night. In view of this his performance was tho more surprising. Walker was more up to his standard of last year, and was much fitter looking than in his previous match. He loosened the Greek's keylock by rolling round tho ring, and on one occasion actually freed himself by this method. The way in which he escaped from this hold showed remarkable powers of resistance. Amateur Championships.

Auckland wrestling followers will welcome the action of the Y.M.C.A. in offering to conduct the Auckland amateur provincial championships on behalf of both promoting associations in Auckland. Each body is helping in every way to further the interests of amateurs. Owing to a number of causes the dates were unable to be fixed until last week, but next Tuesday will see the eliminating bouts commenced in the Y.M.C.A. gymnasium. The semi-finals and finals will bo held on the Wednesday. The gymnasium has a gallery which should prove an excellent place from which to watch the matches. The secretary of the Dominion of New Zealand Wrestling Union, Mr. R. M. Shallcrass, in a report of the season in the South says:—As far as Wellington was concerned, the record house was in the match on September 15, Pasha v. Alley. The most impressive contest was between Joe Stecher and Cantonwine, and the most sensational was between Edwards and Alley. The matches in Dunedin between Edwards and Pasha drew record houses, and with regard to the small centres the results were satisfactory from the point of view of the associations and were all profitable for the wrestlers. The season in Wellington was a most successful one, particularly since the match on July 22 between Pasha and Alley. This event created almost a boom in wrestling, which was maintained throughout the season. The winding-up match between Coleman and Pasha was regarded by many as being the most spectacular of all. A keen interest was maintained throughout the rounds and the Turk put up a very scientific exhibition against heavy odds. Mr. Shallcrass adds: "The union hopes to have a good team in hand for next season, but more than anything else it trusts that by that time divided control will have ceased. The existing conditions must be ended at any sacrifice." Matches Promoted. Since the union was formed in Wellington, it has had 47 matches under its control held in various parts of New Zealand. The schedule shows the matches as follows: —Wellington, 11; Auckland, 10; Dunedin. 8; Stratford, Hawke's Bay, Invercargill, 3; Hawera, Palmerston North, New Plymouth, 2; Greymouth, Oainaru and Timaru, 1. The New Zealand Wrestling Association has had a total of 22 matches under its direct control, while there were four matches in Wellington prior to the change of control. Matchings were as follows: Auckland, 19; Wellington, Groymouth, Huntly. 1 each. This return does not complete the New Zealand Association's season, ns it yet has some matches in view, it being understood that there is an overseas arrival expected. George Kotsonaros, Abe Coleman, Walter Logan, Kara Pasha, Alex. Lundyn, Tom Ray and Tom Alley left by the Niagara for the United States yesterday. The local heavy-weight, King Elliott, formerly of the police force, also departed, and will turn professional. Elliott was trained by George Walker, and early showed considerable promise. He has had few matches owing to the dearth of heavy-weights, but his gymnasium work has attracted the attention of other overseas men. The recently-formed Hamilton Association, which ir, affiliated to the New Zealand Wrestling Association, is fortunate in securing George Walker and Tom Lurich as the principals in its first match to-morrow week. The pair have met three times, and, although Walker has won the decision on each occasion, the bouts have been by no means one-sided. Lunch's display in his recent open-air contest with Kotsonaros showed him to be improving every time he took the ring. BOXING RING. DEFEAT OF JOHNNY LECKIE. Boxing affairs are still quiet in Auckland, but now the wrestling season is drawing to a close it is hoped that -matches will again be seen in the Town Hall. Members of the Northern Boxing Association certainly have had little sport this year, and it is hoped the association will consider Wellington's lead and look into the matter of overseas importations. This seems the only solution to revive the sport in popular favour. Tlio defeat of Johnny Leckie at the hands of Llew Edwards came as a surprise. The Australian certainly arrived with a reputation of merit, but Leckie is fighting at the top of his form, as was proved by his contests with Donovan. There is a 20-year-old Now Zealand heavy-weight in Australia at present who is doing well. His name is Jack O'Malley and he hails from Hawke's Bay. Fred Williams, the Hamilton trainer, has been successful in the recent Te Awamutu. Hamilton and Te Aroha tournaments with lads from his school. Of 13 entrants his boys havo had 11 wins and two losses. Desmond Jeans, brother of Ursula Jeans, the successful actress, has .turned to the professional ring in England, fn 1927 he won the New South Wales amateur heavy-weight championship. He is fighting under Jeff Dickson, the English and Continental promoter, and already has won three fights by the short route He was formerly an actor, but has always interested himself in th# rinjj. I