Otters ASC’s participation in this year’s ASA national competitions was described as a very fruitful one by president Enzo Dimech at the club’s annual general meeting recently.
Otters celebrated their 40th anniversary in the summer and the club held a series of activities, involving their players, supporters and guests, to mark the occasion.
Dr Dimech gave a detailed account of how the season panned out for Otters not only in the national league but also at inter-club competitions and the swimming school at their Marsalforn base.
“The senior waterpolo team was restructured in such a way that more opportunities were given to Gozitan players to feature in the team,” he told those present.
“Along with the club’s core of veterans, the less-experienced players established themselves in a team that rotated its components, reaching peak form by finishing third in the league table, having lost a number of games by the odd goal.
“Indeed, this season has been a very fruitful one for us as the team’s performances were hailed as encouraging and served as an experience for the younger Gozitan players in the team.”
Participation in the junior leagues was limited to the U-16 category. This Otters team was made up of willing youngsters whose dedication was an example to all, Dr Dimech added.
“Results were varied but with our boys having started training only in June, the difference was at times evident against teams whose players are training all year round,” he said.
The Gozo Cup U-21 one-day tournament made for a fitting ending to the season. Making use solely of Gozitan players, Otters went on to claim the honours notwithstanding the stiff challenge from Exiles and Sirens.
Parliamentary Secretary Chris Said presented the trophies to the participants.
The swimming school for children, aged four to 12, was held in August. It was attended by a large number of children and participation certificates were presented at the end of the course.
Finally, Dr Dimech outlined the plans for next season which include participation, for the first time ever, by an Otters team (the U-16) in a winter competition, thus sending a strong message to the authorities that the fresh water heated pool in Gozo is long overdue.