Otter battle Europe's best in LEN Euro League 2016

London Otter emerged with credit after taking on some of Europe’s best domestic teams in Group C of the LEN Euro League 2016.

Competing in the ‘group of death’ in Portuense, Portugal, the English side put five goals past defending champions Olympiacos in their opening match and held 2015 LEN Trophy runners-up Padova to a 15-3 scoreline in their final game.

Otter’s ASA England Programmes players impressed in Portugal with Brooke Tafazolli scoring in three of four games and Kathy Rogers scoring three in two.

“We knew the games would be tough but we improved from game to game,” said Otter captain and Great Britain international Peggy Etiebet.

“To net a score of 15-3 in our last game against Padova who are the LEN Trophy and LEN Super Cup runners-up as well as the Italian champions in 2015, was a fantastic achievement.”

Otter kicked off their campaign with a 27-5 defeat to Olympiacos with goals for Tafazolli, Etiebet, Izzy Dean, Lizzie Dunn and Lex Higlett.

Kate O’Brien scored the team’s solitary goal in a 19-1 loss to another Greek side, Vouliagmeni, before a narrow 12-8 defeat to Portuguese hosts Portuense with goals coming from Claudia Ferrone (three), Dunn (two), Rogers (two) and Tafazolli.

Ferrone, Rogers and Tafazolli all scored again in the team’s final 15-3 loss to Padova.

Otter will return to domestic action for the final round of the British Water Polo Super 5s at Ponds Forge this weekend.

Photo credit: Daryl Nurthen

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