Mexborough & Swinton Times – Friday 28 October 1892

Pugilism at Kilnhurst

A stubborn encounter was brought off on Sunday, at Hooton Roberts, between a Kilnhurst footballer (Rowley Hawcroft) and a well-known pugilist (T. Muscroft) pf the same village.

The combatants, with their supporters wended their way to Hooton Cliff, there to try conclusions about 7 a.m.

The first three rounds were evenly contested, although the local athlete appeared to be holding the upper hand, but the ninth set brought the affair to a conclusion, as is the footballer completely overpowered the local champion, Muscroft having laid about 10 minutes perfectly stunned from a dash on his ribs.

The round lasted 22 minutes. The event was £1 pound a side, and was witnessed by about 50 spectators.  The match arose out of a dispute at Conisborough the Sunday last. After the fray both parties shook hands, and after being put to bed, both took a walk in the afternoon on the best of terms.