Southerners Celebrate Historic League and Knockout Double
Marsaxlokk ASC have been crowned BOV Water Polo First Division League champions, defeating Otters ASC 2-0 in the playoff final series. The triumph caps a flawless season for the Southerners, who also lifted the BOV Knockout Trophy, securing their first league-and-knockout double since 1999.
Marsaxlokk dominated the competition from start to finish, winning every match in both the regular season and playoffs. Their superiority was underlined in the finals, where they dispatched Otters 17-11 in the opener before producing a commanding 27-16 victory in the decisive second match.
With Otters missing influential player Mark Meli, Marsaxlokk took control early, racing into an 8-2 lead in the opening session. By half-time, the Southerners were firmly in charge at 17-5, driven by a stunning eight-goal performance from Nikola Bogdanovic. The team rotated their squad in the third session, giving valuable minutes to younger players, yet still maintained their advantage before closing out the match with authority in the final quarter.
The celebrations at the National Pool in Tal-Qroqq saw the custom-designed BOV First Division League trophy, created to mark the 100th anniversary of the Aquatic Sports Association of Malta (ASA), presented to the jubilant Marsaxlokk squad by Bank of Valletta COO Ernest Agius and ASA President Karl Izzo.
As the ASA commemorates its centenary, Marsaxlokk’s double success adds historic significance to the season. Since 2008, Bank of Valletta has been a dedicated partner of Maltese aquatic sports, supporting the ASA’s mission to nurture young talent, promote water polo, and strengthen Malta’s presence on the international stage.
Sports Editor
Veteran Journalist
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