WRESTLING IN SOUTH AFRICA

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume VIII, Issue 414, 30 June 1898, Page 7

WRESTLING IN SOUTH AFRICA

Sutherland and Rasso.

In spite of the fact that two of the greatest exponents of the art were matched for £25 a-side to wrestle for an hour in the Grieco-Roman style at the Circus on Saturday night (says the Cape Times of May 23), there was but a meagre attendance, the empty benches in the vast amphitheatre having a most depressing effect. The loss, however, falls principally on those who stayed away, as the show was one of the best that has been placed before the Capetown public. Rasso, who is a magnificent specimen of muscular manhood, and who weighs some 17st, is one of the principal exponents of wrestling in Europe. He has met most of the best Grieco-Roman wrestlers in the world, and has never been beaten. It is said that he is looked upon as a worthy opponent of Yousouf, the “ Terrible Turk,” who recently lost on a foul in a match with Roeber, the American champion. His opponent, J. W. Sutherland, is a New Zealander, and the list champion of the Australian colonies. That he is a first-class wrestler there can be no manner of doubt, as wit h all the 6st advantage in weight, Basso was unable to fulfil his undertaking to throw him five times within the hour. Prior to the wrestling, the brothers Basso gave an exhibition of weight-lifting, juggling with dumb-bells of 1001 b, 1501 b, and 2001 b in weight, this portion of the performance ending in the smaller of the brothers placing a large dumb bell weighing 2001 b across his shoulders, and on the top of this sat an list man, while two others held on to each end of the bar. With 8001 b thus supported, he swung his load round and round with comparative ease. The Bassos were loudly applauded at the close. Sutherland then gave an exhibition of dumb-bell exercise with bells weighing 571 b each. After a short interval the event of the evening came on. Rasso undertook to throw Sutherland five times within an hour, wrestling time, in the GriecoRoman style, strangling hold barred. When Sutherland and Rasso entered the arena the dis parity in the size of the pair was most marked, and a good many doubts were expressed as to whether the little man could keep out of the clutches, of his gigantic opponent. At seven past 9 Mr Westmacott, who acted as timekeeper, gave the signal to start, and the pair closed. Rasso soon got a grip, and after about 2min loses wrestling gained the first fall. A three-minute rest was then allowed, before the men faced each other again. Sutherland now adopted new tactics, and would not let the big man get a grip, but Basso would not be denied, and again Sutherland

found the ground. It was one thing, however, to get him on the carpet, and quite another to lay him on his back. Squirming like an eel, he cleverly evaded the big man’s well-meant efforts to place his shoulder blades on the ground, the smartness in getting out of dangerous positions gaining rounds of applause. Five, ten, fifteen minutes passed, and still Rasso, although nearly getting the fall several times, could not quite manage it. Then Sutherland, by a lightning-like movement, got the big man over, and it looked very much like a fair fall, but, of course, was not officially recognised. When 25 minutes had passed a very smart throw took place, and the referee gave it as a fall. There was some dissatisfaction as to whether it was a fair throw, but Sutherland, while not thinking that it was, would not dispute the referee’s decision. Twenty-seven minutes fifteen seconds of the allotted hour’s wrestling had thus passed, and Rasso had three more falls to gain in the remaining 32min 45sec. After the rest,however, Rasso, whom the last bout had probably tired, came into the ring and withdrew, as he said he felt too done up to proceed. The match was thus awarded to Sutherland, who was seconded by Martin Denny, while Rasso was seconded bv his brother.

Donald Dinnie, the veteran Scotch athlete, then entered the arena and challenged Basso to wrestle him outside six weeks for £25 or £5O aside, in two styles, the Grseco-Roman and Scotch style, and should each gain a fall to toss for choice of style for third bout. After Sutherland had thanked those present for . their attendance, the entertainment closed. Mr Corbett-Browne acted as referee in most admirable fashion, working quite as hard as either of the principals.

Auiaria has entirely recovered from the ailments which prevented her showing her true form last season, She is said to have developed into a most beautiful mare, some say one of the handsomest ever seen on the Australian turf.

Turn to page 20 of this issue, and read the conditions of our “ Skill Competition.” A knowledge of racing will enable you to pick up the gold.