Grunt-and-Groaners Back

A couple of good bouts drew a big crowd to the first night of the new wrestling season in Nelson last month. The ever-popular and clever John Da Silva fought (and beat) Bob Miller in an entertaining bout in the preliminary, and the unloved hirsute giant, Rasputin, won his bout with "Powerhouse" Joe Komene. Notwithstanding his beautiful build, Komene had the tough end of the stick in the major bout, but produced some fine wrestling before succumbing to the weight and strength of Rasputin. A fine start to the season.

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Komene flies through the air with Rasputin's ribs fixed firmly in his sights

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"Grbudge klemde dimege, mate" (or in English - "oi, stop tickling, mate")

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Anyone for a facial?

Rasputin, unloved though he may be (he's a natural baddie), is a tremendous drawcard in Nelson, We still have hopes that we might see him again matched against Da Silva. Many will recall the last time they met - Da Silva winning on a foul after Rasputin had almost dismembered referee Nelson Hill. His forte is the rough and illegal tactics which earn for him the displeasure of the crowd.

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While the ref keeps a close eye on Komene's shoulders, Rasputin tries a little throttling

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From Bob Miller: "The pain, the pain!"

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Da Silva airborne

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"Let's play footsies"

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Looks like Da Silva got stuck while playing oranges and lemons