Michael Thomas may have ‘officially’ retired from top level water polo but that doesn’t mean he has stopped playing the sport he loves.

Cheltenham’s captain of last season took part in a masters tournament for over-35s at Sandford Park Lido earlier this month and it will come as no surprise to anyone in the sport that he was the driving force as the hosts eased to victory.

“Yes, he had a lot of fun,” said his dad Martyn, who is director of coaching of the water polo section at Cheltenham Swimming and Water Polo Club. “They beat their old rivals Bristol 11-10 in the final, it was really good. Mike had a field day.

“It may have been a friendly tournament, but once a sportsman always a sportsman and these players can’t help being competitive.”

Michael guided Cheltenham to the British Men’s Super 5s League title last season – their fourth in six years – before bowing out in the British Championships, which were also held at the Lido, at the end of May.

The first team squad – some of whom have been out in Hungary to watch the world championships – will return to pre-season training at the start of next month.

The new national league season will get under way at the end of September so will Michael be tempted to play again?

“He’s saying no,” said his dad, “but I’m sure if they’re short or if they ask him to play he’ll help out.”

The masters tournament wasn’t the only successful event run by the water polo club at the lido this month.

“We had an under-13 tournament as well,” said Martyn. “It was an excellent tournament. Cheltenham got to the final and the future looks very bright. We lost by one goal to Exeter but we’ve got some very good players coming through. The coaches are doing an excellent job.”