Ta’ Xbiex Amigos made a bold statement in the Maltese water polo scene with a thrilling 23-15 victory over Barracudas to win the 2025 Meridianbet Cup, a match packed with intensity, drama and attacking flair at every turn.
The scoreline reflected a game dominated by offensive firepower, with Ta’ Xbiex setting the tone from the start. Leading 6-4 at the end of the first quarter, they maintained their grip on the match and steadily increased their advantage with each passing period. The third quarter proved decisive as Ta’ Xbiex pulled ahead to 18-12, eventually closing out the match with a final score of 23-15.
Julian Farrugia and Ayian Camenzuli were pivotal for Ta’ Xbiex, both finding the net twice, while Nathan Bonavia stood out with four goals. Luca Grech Farr, Zion Swartzel and Andre Thuma also got on the scoresheet, with a spread of contributions that highlighted the team’s depth and attacking versatility.
Captain Ayian Camenzuli led by example and registered key goals during crucial moments of the game, while goalkeeper Thomas Schembri helped keep Barracudas at bay when needed most.
Barracudas fought hard to keep pace and showed resilience with goals from Isaac Schembri, Charles Bugelli, Paul McAuliffe, and William Ruggier. Luca Bonnici was also among the standouts, but despite their spirited performance, the defensive frailties proved costly as Ta’ Xbiex ran riot in the latter stages.
The match was not without disciplinary action, with several exclusions and fouls on both sides. Ta’ Xbiex capitalized on man-up situations more efficiently and showed sharper execution during set plays.
This victory marks a major achievement for Ta’ Xbiex, who not only lifted the prestigious Super Cup but also sent a clear message ahead of the season, showcasing their tactical cohesion, strong bench, and clinical finishing.
With the celebrations already underway, Ta’ Xbiex will now look to carry this momentum into their upcoming league commitments, while Barracudas will aim to regroup and bounce back stronger.
