HARD WRESTLING

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22145, 26 June 1935, Page 14

HARD WRESTLING

VICTORY FOR GLEN WADE DEFEAT OF L. BLOMFIELD FALL WON IN SIXTH ROUND The wrestling contest staged at His Majesty's Theatre last evening proved the most popular and enjoyable seen in Auckland for the past few seasons. The contestants were "Lofty" Blomfield, of Auckland, and Glen Wade, of America. Utterly devoid of showmanship, it was hard wrestling all the way through. Only one fall was recorded, that going to Wade in the sixth round. Following a series of headlock throws, Blomfield attempted to pick up his opponent preparatory to a slam. The pair were right up against the ropes, and Wade pushed himself and his opponent off violently. Blomfield fell underneath and was slightly dazed, the American having no difficulty in securing a fall with a body press. Although defeated by a much more experienced opponent, Blomfield enhanced his reputation as a scientific wrestler. This marked Wade's first appearance in an Auckland ring and he won instant popularity. Preliminary reports credited him with being a giant, weighing in the vicinity of 18 stone. However, he turned out to be much smaller in stature than Blomfield, and his weight was lost. 111b., compared with Blomfield's 16st. 31b. The visitor proved himself one of the most active matmen ever seen here and he wrestled in bare feet. A high standard was seen, in the amateur preliminaries, and altogether the crowd experienced an - enjoyable evening's entertainment.. Mr. C. Pollard refereed all the contests. A Scientific Display The early rounds of the professional bout showed Wade up in a favourable light as a wary and experienced wrestler. Blomfield was at all times willing to mix it with the American, but he had not the latter's knowledge. The scientific manner in which the pair applied and broke holds evoked frequent outbursts of applause and cheering.

After a fall had been gained by Wade in the sixth round in the manner described above Blomfield made desperate efforts to equalise. In the seventh round he maintained a hammerlock for some time, his opponent freeing himself by rushing the Aucklander over the ropes. Blomfield was then in position for a Boston crab, but Wade kicked himself clear. Wade -was in a punishing standing splits at the gong. There was plenty of action in the final round, Blomfield trying hard, but unsuccessfully, for an equalising fall. Amateur Preliminaries Welter-weight.—F. Murphy, 10st.< beat D. Hardy, lOst. 81b., on points in a bout in which he early showed his superiority, although he could not pin his man. Catch-weight.—Kisha Bana, 7st. 61b., beat J. Robertson, Bst. 81b., on points after a clever match. Robertson's 161b. extra weight was more than countered by the dexterity of the Jittle Indian. Welter-weight.—H. Woodward, lOst. 81b., drew with S. Hobbs, lOst. 51b.. no falls being registered in an even and hard bout. Feather-weight.—R. Hobbs, 9st. 61b., drew with C. Curtice, 9st. 71b.. neither scoring a fall. Both contestants delighted the crowd with their acrobatics in and out of the ring. ABANDONMENT OF MATCH CONTESTANTS' DEMANDS [BY TELEGRAPH —PRESS ASSOCIATION] PALMERSTON NORTH, Tuesday The wrestling bout between Pereira and Kruskamp scheduled for to-nighb was abandoned, because the Manawatu Wrestling Association was unable to agree to last-minute demands by the wrestlers. The association, which is concerned at having disappointed the public, will meet to-morrow evening to decide what action, if any, should be taken to remedy the position.