FOUR NEW TEAMS JOIN NATIONAL LEAGUE

The National Water Polo League is set for spectacular expansion in the 2004 season following successful applications by four new teams. They are :-

• Basingstoke: Entered the National League for two seasons in the early 1990s but now, boosted by the opening of a new pool and the addition of players from other clubs in the Surrey/Hampshire area, look forward once again to the challenge of national competition
• Jersey Water Polo Association: Prior to 1971, Jersey entertained many visiting clubs in an outdoor sea pool! Then the opening of a splendid indoor facility led to creation of the present association, which runs an internal island league involving three teams
• Portobello: The famous Edinburgh club, Scottish champions since the Scottish National League was inaugurated in 1993, need little introduction. They were ASA Cup winners in 1997 and are regular GB Championship finalists. Their powerful squad includes numerous senior internationals
• University of Bristol: Last year’s BUSA runners-up are the first university side in the League’s 42-year history to enter a team. Star players like Michael Thomas (Cheltenham) and Danny Williams (Bristol) will remain with their Division One clubs. But with ex-GB coach Mark Taylor in charge, the University are keen to encourage current and ex-students to perform at a higher level

Division Three will feature all four newcomers next season, with fixtures such as Portobello v Basingstoke and Newcastle v Jersey giving the competition a truly “national” feel!