WRESTLING IN DUNEDIN

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23811, 18 May 1939, Page 7

WRESTLING IN DUNEDIN

FIRST BOUT OF SEASON The return match between ” Lofty ” Blomfield, the Dominion champion, and “ Irish ” Jack Donovan, which was keenly sought after by other associations, particularly by that in Wellington, who staged the first match, and Auckland, has been, secured by the Otago Association for the opening of the local season at the Town Hall on Monday night Particular interest is attached to the contest because Donovan has done what none of the other first arrivals among the Dominion Union’s importations this year has managed to do—he has taken a decision off Blomfield. The bout was thrilling and a packed house was in a state of excitement when it became apparent that Blomfield would be lucky if he could leave the ring unbeaten. After Donovan had been announced as the winner .he crowd followed him on his way te his dressing room and cheered him to the echo, It was a remarkable tribute both to his sensational victory and to the manner in which he had secured it. Though not quite as tall as Blomfield. Donovan is a pound or two heavier, and is fast and aggressive. He learned tc wrestle at the North-Western University. Illinois, and later received coaching from Charlie Hansen of Seattle As he has been wrestling for seven years, and before that had made a name for himself as a boxer he has had nlentv of ring experience although he is still a young man. Blomfield is out to avenge the defeat he suffered at Wellington, and. in such circumstances, a really great match is bound to be seen