On Sunday 22nd August 2021 Malcolm Christian, Matthew Rixson and Martin Cullis were victorious in the final of the Basingstoke and District Triples Competition. Old Basing’s three Ms beat a strong Basingstoke town trio made up of current county player Matt Carr, Richard Whitburn and the experienced Trevor Morgan.

Basingstoke Town took an early 2-0 but Old Basing hit back with two consecutive fours and a two to lead 10-2 after five ends. The next few ends were tight affairs with some excellent bowling by both sides, with Malcolm Christian more than matching the highly rated Basingstoke lead. After twelve ends Old Basing led by 15-7. 

Basingstoke picked up four shots on the thirteenth end when Trevor Morgan slammed the jack into the ditch. Old Basing replied with a two following an excellent final bowl from Martin Cullis, who put aside all distractions to trail the jack beautifully. However, Basingstoke picked up another four shots on the next end, despite Old Basing having a bowl no more than eight inches away from the jack. The score now stood at 17-15 to Old Basing. The momentum in the game had shifted but Old Basing remained resilient. 

Basingstoke Town picked up a single of the next end to narrow the deficit to just one shot with two ends to play. Another excellent bowl by the Basingstoke skip resulted in them picking up two shots on the penultimate end to take the lead 17-18 going into the final end. However, the Old Basing trio were not disheartened and remained focused on picking up the required shots on the final end.  

The last end started with the Basingstoke lead drawing a bowl right on top of the jack. Malcolm Christian was able to draw a close second just behind the jack. Matthew Rixson was able to dislodge the jack with his second bowl, he then drew a crucial second shot with his final bowl of the game. The Basingstoke skip was unable to change things with his first wood. Martin Cullis added a well-positioned bowl to give Old Basing a count of three, adding further pressure. The Basingstoke skip tried to kill the end with his final two bowls but missed on both occasions leaving Old Basing as the victors by 20-18 to the delight of the travelling supporters. 

Congratulations to Malcolm, Matthew and Martin.  It is the first time that Old Basing have won the BDBA triples since John Belair, Mick Seymour and Barry Males won the trophy in 2001.