The Ulster Transport C team finished their first season in fine style with a 12 shots (44 - 32) victory away at Forth River.

Scoreboard

NIPGL D5 29th August Forth River v Ulster Transport C

The Final NIPGL Division 5 Table

 It was an excellent first season for the new Ulster Transport C team, finishing in 4th place and beating all teams in the league except champions North Belfast at least once and only losing to North Belfast in the first match by 2 shots.

NIPGL D5 Table 29th August 2023

Result Card

Another top class performance from all the players and very nearly a clean sweep, with Geoff Dickey's rink only losing by four shots.

NIPGL Division 5 Forth River v Ulster Transport C 29th August 2023

Player Team Statistics

A total of 37 players were used this season (26 male, 11 female) with a default of six spaces each allocated to male and female players, adjusted for rotation and who was actually available for selection.

The number of players used is also a reflection of the policy decision at the start of the season to give as many new players as possible competitive experience.

Bill Mahon finished with the highest rink points, 10 out of 12 games played (83%) and was the only player to reach double figures.

UTBC C Team Stats at 29th August 2023

Season Summary

NIPGL Division 5 is only for 12 player teams but is a very strong league, filled with clubs that are no longer able to field a 16 player A or B side and would be playing in Division 2, 3 or 4 if they were able to do so.

The new, mixed C team was a great success with an excellent spirit between the male and female players who although they had a strong desire to win also enjoyed a more relaxed (but focused) approach to the matches.

There is no doubt their confidence grew throughout the season with each victory and the default policy of giving new players competitive experience actually helped due to the way all the games were played and the encouragement they received from the more experienced male and female players.

It is definitely a team that will only get better and perhaps grow to 16 players next season if a new 12 player D team is introduced (depending on the number of players available).