There was a prize fight this morning, near Gulgong, between Fred Jackson (brother of the champion) and Larry Foley, for £25 a-side. The scene of this interest ing encounter, about which there has been much talk in sporting circles during the past week, was at Rapp's Gully, a gold working, about four miles from Gulgoug, on the Mudgee-road. Long before sunrise horsemen and pedestrians were to be seen wending their way to the spot selected, which was kept secret from the police by every precaution.
At sunrise there were about one hundred on the spot, where a good ring had already bean made. Alf. Jackson, the champion ot New South Wales, acted as second to his brother, and Charley Kelly was right hand man to Foley. The combatants stripped finely, and it was thought that Jackson displayed much the best muscle and general condition. He is certainly a heavier man than Foley. Foley won the toss for corner, and, after shaking hands, the contest commenced by Jackson making a feint and missed, when Foley caught him with a heavy lunge in the stomach.
Round succceded round, until thirteen had been fought, during which Foley was beat every time. The sponge was then thrown in, Jackson was cut over the eye, and blackened about the body. It was considered an easy victory for Foley. It said that the police were very active in their efforts to discover the rendezvous, but the precautions hadbeen so perfect, they were baffled.
Source: Empire (Sydney, NSW : 1850 - 1875) Sat 25 Nov 1871 Page 4
1900 - [MATCHES REMEMBERED]
1900 - [MATCHES REMEMBERED]
The Marquis of Queensbury Rules, for the governing of glove contests, were not known in Gulgong, at least, at the remote period. The old British Prize Ring Rules were still in existence, and under these rules all little differences were settled quick and lively. There were many mills brought off on the "rush," but I think the first of any remote was that between Ned Pearce, better known under the sobriquet of "The Straight-haired Native," and "Kirby." The ring was pitched at the foot of Billy Goat Hill, and the battle a lively one from start to finish, ended in a draw. The men were known to be evenly matched. The betting at the start was even money and take your choice. And even the betting continued till the end of the battle, which was proclaimed a draw. Each party was thoroughly satisfied that their hero had done his best.
But, probably the most memorable encounter that ever took place in this district, and the one that created the most interest, was that between Larry Foley and Jackson. It was only for a tenner a-side. But it was well-known that Larry was giving his opponent many stone in weight and many inches in height and reach. It was, besides, an open secret that the stakes were only a secondary consideration. It was said that nationality played a very prominent part in the matter. The green — Foley's color — came out on top after 10 rounds had been fought. I don't think, from start to finish, the result was ever, in doubt, bar accident, as the clever Larry had his opponent's measure in the first round.
Then came the first glove fight that I ever remember to have witnessed. It was brought off at the Shamrock Theatre, Home Rule. The Mediators were "Black Alick," of Victoria, and "Parramatta street" Kelly, and the stakes £10 a side. The exhibition was a clever one, when Kelly won. The Sydney native was handled by no less a pugilistic light than Joe Kitchen, who, in his day, had no equal at his weight; while the wily Mick Cunningham did the needful for Alick.
But no exhibition of any kind ever drew like the first athletic sports held in Gulgong. Such a concourse of people as were assembled on the grounds on that occasion it would be impossible to get together now — at even a church meeting. And athletes were to the fore from all parts of the colony. Joe Yeomans, who was at his best just about that time, won the half-mile race, and also the running high jump, clearing the bar at 5ft 10in. There was a £30 handicap, which created no end of interest. This event was won by poor Sam Robinson, who died at Gulgong, all too soon, at the early age of 22 years.
Billiards had its votaries here also, and amongst the number of finished cueists could be mentioned such masters of the art as Weston, Tom Nightingale, Billy Lancaster, and Billy Edmonds, who when at his top had probably no superior in Australia. The last I heard of him was some years ago, when marking in Brisbane.
