DINNIE v. THOMAS.

Otago Witness, Volume 26, Issue 1705, 26 July 1884, Page 22

DINNIE v. THOMAS.

Oil Juno 4, at Matthews' Circus, Sandhurst, Dinnie and Thomas wroaliod the boat of fivo falls. The conditions were, that Thomas was to have the choice of three styles, Dinnie, ia addition, laying £30 to £20. Tha styles wrestled were — Cumberland, Cornish, Scotch, Sir John Astley's, and Grisco-Botmiu. The following report of the wiestling I take from tbe Independent :— Mr Graham acted as umpire for Thomas, Mons. Victor for Diunie, and Mr Robey as referee. It appeared a foregone conclusion in favour of Dinnie, who stands 6ft lin and weighs 15 stone, whilst Thomas is only 12 stone and sft llin high. However, the result appeared to prove that Thomas was a poweiful opponent. Thomas winning the first tosa, as he also did the subsequent throw, chose Cumberland style for the first bout, but Dinnie proved too quiok for him, got first grip, which proved fatal, and tho first fall was scored to Dinnie in 2 mm. 5 sec. They then wrestled in Cornish style. After once securing bis hofd Thomas kept " fencing " at his opponent, but Dinnie was too wary, and held off on the defence, working the jacket up to Thomas' neck, and shortly he had his opponent's head in a perfect cul de sac; but Thomas, watching hiß opportunity, allowed it to get over his head and freed hira&elf. The first bout occupied 7 mm. 60 sec. The jackets being readjusted, both showed an eagerness for work. After a few feints Thomas had Dinnie in an awkward fix, from which the champion, though with difficulty, recovered, and shortly after Thomas, who kept offering him a leg, was slung down on his knee. This bout occupied 2 mm. 30 sec. Time being called, they were not long again gripping, and, after a tew feints at tripping, Thomas succeeded in giving the Soot the cleanest fall of the evening. The fall was announced amidst ringing cheers for Thomas, the time being 1J mm., or 11 mm. 35 sec. for tho three bouts. After a short rest, Thomas selected the Scotch style, but Dinnie was at borne there, and getting the back-hold, threw Thomas in 30 sec. Sir John Astley's style (in jackets, similar to .the Cornish) was the next. Dinnie again held off, and Thomas, in making a feint, got at the back of Dinnio with his arms round him, and the Scot was evidently preparing to cross-bufctock him when he was jerked by Thomas down on his hands, and the second fall to Thomas was declared. Dinnio having the choice of the fifth and final Btyle chose the G-raeco-lloman, Each having secured two falls the excitement was great, but from the first it was seen, from the self complacent manner in which Dinnie invited Thomas to grip, that he was certain of this style, and after a little finessing he succeeded in getting Thomas by the waist and threw him. Thomas, however, slipped from .him, and for a time both were on their knees struggling together, till Dinnie, siezing his opportunity, forced Thomas on to his side, and, laying on him, rolled him over and secured the fiual fall, thus winning the match by one fall only.