The BOV National League will start on Wednesday, June 16, with Neptunes coming up against Exiles to be followed by the Sliema-Marsascala match on the same day.

These encounters will herald the preliminary round of the 2010 league trek which will be completed by August 28. As has been the practice in the last years the first four-placed teams of the nine in competition will compete in the top division, with the rest forming the second division.

The draws were made yesterday by Peter Perotti, chief officer Bank of Valletta, and Austin Sammut, president of the ASA in the presence of Remy D'Amato, ASA general secretary, during a press conference in Sta Venera.

Addressing the media, Perotti expressed his satisfaction at the strong link there is between BOV and the ASA, with the sponsorship now going into a third year.

Dr Sammut was thankful to the bank for providing its support to his association, stressing that he was sure that such backing will not only continue in the years ahead, but will be strengthened.

He looked forward to a highly competitive season followed by interesting international commitments in October.

The ASA president spoke about the national team and thanked Jonathan Valletta, Josie Cachia, both of whom have retired, and Paul Privitera, who has also signified his intention not to play for the national team, for the excellent service they rendered.

He also referred to the very positive feedback the association has had regarding the Maltese referees' control of regional matches in Italy and thanked the ASA officials for their hard work for the benefit of the game.

Before the draws were made, Mr Perotti and Dr Sammut presented the BOV Player of the Year awards for 2009 to Josie Cachia, the Sliema goalkeeper, and Timmy Sullivan (Exiles) winner of the Second Division honour.

As for the dates and time of the league fixtures, the ASA has done its best to minimise clashes with the World Cup.

The waterpolo programme will be played on Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, with no matches held when the World Cup quarter-finals are played at the beginning of July.

The league matches between San Ġiljan and Sirens and that between Neptunes and Sliema, due to be played on July 9 and 10, will also be valid for the Sportswriters Association Cup and the President's Cup respectively.

The teams taking part are Exiles, Marsascala, Marsaxlokk, Neptunes, Otters, San Ġiljan, Sirens, Sliema and Ta' Xbiex.