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WRESTLERS > PATRICK EVANS

Patrick Evans

1869

MARCH 27, 1869

LIVE EVENT
COLLAR-AND-ELBOW
Location
New York, New York
Venue
600 Broadway Street
Referee
James Center
Umpire(for Lane)
Harry Hill
Umpire(for Grace)
Lewis Cole
Best 2 Out Of 3 Falls Collar-And-Elbow Match
Homer Lane and Henry Grace wrestled to a draw.

The competitors were very evenly matched, and seldom has a more interesting, scientific or well contested display of the kind been given in this city. The marvellous rapidity with which the various movements were executed and the vigilance exercised by both, created both surprise and admiration.

The proceedings were to have commenced with a wrestling match between Michael O'Connor and Patrick Evans for $250 a side, but the latter not appearing, owing to an accident, it was postponed.

Then the contestants of the evening appeared, being loudly cheered by their respective supporters. Both men appeared o be in fair condition, healthy, muscular and vigorous looking.

After the usual preliinaries having been gone through the contestants grasped each other and commenced operations in a lively style. Considerable caution was at first observed, each apparently endeavoring to tempt the other off his guard. Their evolutions were entirely devoid of the usual tugging, hugging and kicking which generally characterize such exhibitions.

Grace tried the toe lock repeatedly, his opponent being very anxious to get the grape-vine lock, which he several times almost succeeded in obtaining. Lane now began to force matters but, Grace being exceedingly wary, his vigorous efforts were carefully watched.

Nearly 30 minutes was consumed by a very excellent and exciting display, the audience at times giving vent to their feelings in loud applause. At length, by a lightning-like move, Grace got that vine lock on Lane, and, after a desperate tug, the latter was thrown.

The next innings was comparatively brief, although nevertheless well contested. Elated, doubtless, with his success, Grace attempted to force the wrestling; but Lane, who hopped about as nimbly as a ballet dancer, got the fatal crook upon him and Grace fell.

There was now but one fall to decide, and the excitement became immense. It was generally admitted that a better exhibition could not be witnessed, and the good feeling which marked the contest much enhanced the interest in beholding it.

The last was a great struggle. Muscle, science and activity were brought into requisition with a determination that plainly evidenced the feelings of the competitors. Scores and scores of times one of them was almost gonel but a sudden jump or a plunge would just save him. At length, by a very rapid twist, Lane fell, Grace by his side.

The fall was promptly disputed and the referee, on being appealed to, held that it was not a fair back fall. The wrestlers then resumed operations but Grace having sprained his ankle it was agreed to postpone the contest.

It was certainly a most determined and well matched event, and doubtless the next struggle will be looked forward to with interest. In the first innings Grace had the choice of holds, which was something in his favor, as it was also the case with Lane, he having his favorite grip in the second innings.

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