Outdoor wrestling returned to New Zealand when at Auckland's huge Carlaw Park, former "Kangaroo" Roy "Husky" Heffernan, the Australian heavyweight champion, faced up to New Zealand Champion Big John DaSilva. Roy has wrestled in 45 different countries but this was his first visit to New Zealand. His old "Kangaroo" partner, Al Costello, was well known out here and appeared here on numerous occasions.

The Fabulous Kangaroos – Al Costello and Roy Heffernan

The Fabulous Kangaroos – Al Costello and Roy Heffernan

This was indeed a big match for New Zealand. It is some years now since the 'big name' wrestlers appeared regularly here. Things are slowly picking up and this past season was outstanding. Pat O'Connor returned home for a short visit, Art Neilson spent a short time here, Braka Cortez, the Swiss aerial specialist, returned, and young Australian Larry O'Dea created a wonderful impression here.

When Big John DaSilva learned that Roy Heffernan was coming over he immediately sharpened his axe and headed out into the bush. John is an expert axeman, and of course this is wonderful training for exercise. John is a very enthusiastic who spends most evenings in some gym, either coaching the countries top amateurs, or conditioning himself with the weights.

Heffernan, himself a former Australian amateur weightlifting champion in the light heavyweight division, was at fourteen the strongest boy in the world for his age and weight. He shocked the weightlifting world by hoisting 395 pounds in a dead weight lift. With powerful legs from weight lifting and speed gained in running games, which he followed as a youngster, Heffernan quickly became not only Australia's finest wrestler, but also one of the most unusual. He was man who, at 235 pounds, could sail through the air like a bird, dive over the top rope headfirst, and execute head spins, nip-ups, and other feats like a well-trained acrobat of only 140 pounds.

Roy's pro career has taken him far afield. It is some ten years since he left Australia in search of top name wrestlers. Winning his first championship became an obsession for him and developed into monumental proportions, till finally in France he won an international tournament. Heffernan fought before 100,000 spectators in Bombay, India and won a draw with Dara Singh, Indian champion and holder of the Ajanta and Governors Cup. The match was so popular with Indian fans that it was shown on the screen for three months afterwards in Bombay theatres.

In Malaya, Ceylon, Pakistan and Iraq he fought before tremendous crowds. He was hailed in Durban, South Africa, as the most sensational wrestler to ever visit the country. He was undefeated in Europe, fighting through England, Ireland, France, Belgium, Germany, Spain, Norway and Switzerland; he fought in Cyprus and went to Egypt, India and America.

Roy specializes in a unique style of wrestling, which includes his mastery of the rolling crucifix (or double leg nelson) hold, which he applies with amazing speed and agility 'Kangaroo' dive, two of the most respected manoeuvres in wrestling today.

Roy flew from Australia the day before the big match and the stage was set.

John DaSilva, in perfect physical condition and as sharp as the blade of his axe, returned from the bush to do battle with this great Australian.

Big John DaSilva

After some beautiful wrestling moves, Heffernan tore into DaSilva in the fourth round and gained a quick fall. He caught DaSilva with his knee as the New Zealand grappler of all time bounced off the ropes and then turned him upside-down. Only the count remained as a fall was inevitable. In the seventh round DaSilva opened up and after a series of dropkicks left the Australian prostrate on the mat for a fall.

Heffernan fell afoul of Da Silva's favourite hold, the 'Kiwi Clamp' in the final round and the large crowd went wild as the referee freed Heffernan and held up Da Silva's hand.

A great win for John Da Silva and a step nearer his match for the World's Heavyweight Crown.