WRESTLING ON HORSEBACK.

Oamaru Mail, Volume X, Issue 4098, 30 December 1887, Page 4

WRESTLING ON HORSEBACK.

The Melbourne Argus gives the following account, of what may be termed a somewhat exciting pastime Several hundreds of persons assembled at the Friendly Societies' grounds on Saturday - afternoon, attracted by an announcement that Matthews, a prominent wrestler, would compete against Simpson, one of the police rough riders, In a wrestling match on horseback. For some reason Simpson did not appear, bnt Rafferty, another rough rider, entered the liais. -The combatants were dressed In grotesque uniforms. Matthews had the advantage over his opponent in having a special saddle, from which it appeared impossible to tear him. It was explained that to constitute a fall both feet of either rider should be on the ground simultaneously. The competitors. stood about 40 yards apart, and at a bugle call advanced at full gallop. : Rafferty, in order to take advantage of his opponent's saddle, sprang from his own horse to that of Matthews, where they applied QrbcoRoman holds whilst clinging to the horse with their legs. The first two falls were gained by Matthews, after which he exchanged horses and saddles with his opponent. Rafferty secured a clean fall, and then Matthews got a third. As the conditions of the match were that the winner of the best of five falls was to be victor, the match was awarded by H. Carter, the referee, to Matthews. In the intervals exhibitions of conflicts, sword v. bayonet, etc., were given.