Marsaxlokk ASC have emerged as champions of the BOV Water Polo First Division League, defeating Otters ASC 2-0 in the best-of-three playoff final series. This victory crowns a remarkable season for the Southerners, who also lifted the BOV Knockout Trophy, completing a prestigious league and knockout double, their first since 1999.

Marsaxlokk were clearly the most dominant team in the BOV First Division completing their campaign winning all their games in the regular season and also in the playoffs. Their playoff performance against Otters was marked by disciplined defence and clinical finishing.

Following a comfortable 17-11 win in the first match of the series, Marsaxlokk were in a class of their own in the second, easing past Otters with a commanding 27-16 victory.

With Otters missing key player Mark Meli, Marsaxlokk took full advantage, racing to an 8-2 lead in the opening session. By half-time, the match looked all but decided, with Marsaxlokk firmly in control at 17-5, thanks largely to an outstanding eight-goal haul from Nikola Bogdanovic.

The third session was a more balanced contest, as Marsaxlokk rotated their squad and gave opportunities to some of their younger players. Even so, they maintained a comfortable cushion, closing the session at 22-11. In the final quarter, Marsaxlokk closed out the match with authority, sealing a dominant 27-16 win and sealing the series.

The custom-designed BOV First Division League trophy, commemorating the 100th anniversary of the Aquatic Sports Association of Malta, was presented to the jubilant Marsaxlokk squad by Bank of Valletta’s Chief Operations Officer, Ernest Agius, and ASA President, Karl Izzo during the official ceremony at the National Pool in Tal-Qroqq.

As the Aquatic Sports Association of Malta proudly marks its 100th anniversary, this milestone stands as a testament to a century of dedication to aquatic sports across the Maltese Islands. Since 2008, Bank of Valletta has been a steadfast partner in this journey, playing a pivotal role in supporting ASA’s mission to nurture talent, promote water sports, and elevate Malta’s presence on the international stage. Together, ASA and BOV continue to make waves—celebrating the past, inspiring the present, and shaping the future of aquatic sports in Malta.