RUGGED WRESTLING

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22421, 18 May 1936, Page 16

RUGGED WRESTLING

VICTORY TO SAVAGE ENDING IN THIRD ROUND OSWALD UNABLE TO CONTINUE The professional heavy-weight wrestling contest at the Town Hall on Saturday evening between Steve Savage, I6st. 61b,, and Hank Oswald, 14st. 101b., failed to last more than three rounds, Oswald being unable to continue after conceding a submission fall. Savage, who impressed as a particularly capable wrestler, forced his opponent to' submit with a combination toe-hold and bar. Oswald received attention during the interval between rounds, but. as his knee had been badl.v wrenched, he signified that he did not wish to continue.

Tho three rounds produced ruined wrestling, si 1 though it was apparent that Savage carried a marked superiority. A heavier and stronger man, ho had Oswald at a disadvantage throughout, experiencing little difficulty in foiling the hitter's attempts at aggression. While capable of revealing a wide variety of holds Savage showed a penchant for working on his opponent's legs, and he had Oswald in trouble with a series of toe-holds prior to tho one that earned him n submission fall. An Early Ending Kntering the ritiy; in a black dressing gown, across the back of which was blazoned his nickname, "Smiling Steve," Savage fully lived up to his reputation. No matter how torred tho exchanges, he continued to smile—a mannerism that caught the fancy of the largo crowd. Mr. C. Pollard refereed 'both the amateur and professional bouts.

Reverse toe-holds gave Savage an advantage in the first round, and he shook an admonishing finger at Oswald when the latter attempted several forearm jolts. The contestants then settled down to solid wrestling, but Oswald could make little impression on his more powerful opponent. After concentrating on leg holds Savage quickly changed to a short-arm scissors that had Oswald in. difficulties. Oswald took the initiative in the second round with a twisted headlock, but his advantage was only momentary, as Savage was soon putting pressure into a combined head scissors and reverso toe-hold. Exerting full pressure in a forward toe-hold, Savage caused amusement "by turning round and drawing the spectators' attention to his opponent's predicament. Savage wriggled away in a hurry when Oswald reached for a stopper hold.

Attempting a flying scissors in the third round Oswald almost ran into trouble when Savage retained his feet and tried to force Oswald's shoulders to the mat. It was shortly after that Oswald was forced to submit. Amateur Preliminaries

Light-weight.—W. Williamson, 9st. 71b., defeated N. Sakey, 9st. 21b., by a submission fall gained in the second round. Both contestants worked at a fast pace and gave an attractive display of the various holds. Light-heavv-weight. —In a solid exhibition J. McDonald, list. 41b., drew with C. Sylvester, 12st., on points. Tho earnest efforts of the wrestlers were fully appreciated by the spectators. Light-weight. —E. Pinches, Bst. 121b., beat C. Eraser, 9st. 41b., by a penalty fall secured in the second round. Bantam-weight.—P. Hill, 7st. 131b., beat L. Taylor, 7st. 121b., on points in an interesting bout.

McGREADY WINS AGAIN WOODS BEATEN BY ONE FALL [BY TELEGRAPH —PRESS ASSOCIATION] NEW PLYMOUTH. Sunday McCready defeated Woods by one fall in one* of the best wrestling bouts seen at New Plymouth for a long period. In spite of a big advantage in weight McCready was apparently twice saved by the gong. It was a clean, vigorous* and interesting bout.

CONTEST IN DUNEDIN BOESCH DEFEATS RUSSELL [by telegraph —press association] DUXEDIN. Sunday Making his first appearance in a New Zealand wrestling ring Pail Boesch accounted for "Rebel" Russell in an eight-round contest held last night before a packed house. The match was fast and exciting, Boesch, who is a clever and versatile wrestler, secured the only fall of the bout in the sixth round with a body press and face-bar, following a succession of dropkicks.