The Albury Sharks carried on their fine form this season by recording their highest score yet away at Churt.

Due to injuries, illness, Duke of Edinburgh and the beginning of the cricket season, the Sharks were once again down to a a threadbare squad, however at least we kicked off with 11! Another makeshift back four saw Ivan Iduriaga continue at right back after his fine performance midweek, while it was such a highlight to have Mackenzie Rose return to partner Gabe at centre-back after a very successful basketball season. We also made use of the immense pace and power of the usually defensively-minded Josh Franklin as a battering ram up front, something that had an immediate impact.

Within the first two minutes, a breakaway from the Sharks saw panic ensue in the Churt backline, and the ball dropped nicely for Daniel Stovald who hooked a beautiful left-footed volley into the top corner, an exquisite finish, particularly on his weaker foot. Daniel had his second just moments later, running onto a long throw, jinxing his way through the defenders and firing the ball in via a deflection.

Albury were totally dominant without playing at 100% intensity. Daniel McGraw and Ben Gregory looked absolutely supreme in the middle of the pitch; Ben ran them ragged with powerful runs and clever tricks and flicks, while Daniel McGraw read the game like a Picture-book, mopping up any loose ball. Josh Franklin led the line excellently, becoming more and more adventurous with his attacking runs, creating so much space for Harvey Rush and Luciano Gouveia on the wings, and Daniel Stovald in behind. Stov bagged his hat-trick shortly after after a slight mix up at the back, and Luciano Gouveia got on the score sheet with a brilliant header from a pin-point cross from Harvey Rush.

To give them credit, Churt had a couple of decent players, and what really impressed me is that they try to play good football rather than hoof the ball like other teams. On a few occasions, a threatening looking pass had to be snuffed out by Harry Connelly on the left hand side and Ivan Iduriaga won a couple of tussles on the right. It was set pieces that Churt looked most dangerous from, and goalkeeper Dexter Williams had to be brave to clear a corner. Shortly after, a free kick came looping into the area and for the first time the Albury defence looked a bit rattled. From just three metres out a Churt attacker got a shot away, only to e excellently denied by Dexter who held his position really well and got down with quick reactions. This was a fine stop from a fine goalkeeper. It must be mentally taxing to remain alert when the ball is rarely at your end of the pitch, but Dexter has proven his strong mentality frequently in recent weeks, making crucial saves when called upon.

The final goal (of the first half) once again came from the boot of Daniel Stovald, absolutely smashing the ball into the roof of the net with an absolutely brilliant finish. Four goals in one half is a pretty impressive haul and Daniel was absolutely different class today.

First half
Churt 0-5 Sharks

At half time, we spoke about game management and keeping our mentality correct despite the score. Churt took an age to return for the second half as their coach grilled his players, and had an expert-level team talk with them, putting the tactics board to good use. It clearly had a significant effect as within one minute, the Sharks led 6-0. The dream combination of Hravey Rush and Luciano comined for the umpteenth time this season, but a reversal of the first half, with Luciano crossing superbly for Harvey Rush to finish.

Things spiced up nicely shortly after, as a long punt forward from the goalkeeper split the Albury defence and allowed their striker through to slot past Dexter for 6-1. It was the only real defensive error of the day, and seeing as this back four hadn't played together all season, in my opinion it didn't marr a superb defensive performance.

In fact, it was a defender who restored the comfortable lead shortly after as Mackenzie Rose, well... rose, highest from a corner to head into the net for 7-1. From this point it was one way traffic. Josh Franklin, Luciano Gouveia and Daniel Stovald pressed Churt with such an intensity that Churt rarely had the ball for more than five seconds at a time. That's not an exaggeration: sad coach that I am, I was counting. Harvey Rush and Luciano continued to combine excellently and got another goal each, while Ben Gregory powered his way through the defence to lash in a brilliant tenth.

Another superb performance that put the Sharks one game away from an "invincible" season. Well done lads!

Final Score:
Churt 1-10 Sharks

Goals:
Daniel Stovald x4
Luciano Gouveia x2
Harvey Rush x2
Mackenzie Rose
Ben Gregory

MOTM: Daniel Stovald was exceptional in every way today (and somehow looked a bit annoyed that he had "only" scored 4 and got an assist.

Coaches reflections:
1. My aim is to have at least one player who is confident and competent in every position (except goalkeeper, we are lucky to have one Dexter, let alone 2!). Today proved that we are well on the way to this aim. Ivan has looked very comfortable at right-back today, Harvey Rush and Harry Connelly were once again very happy playing right-wing and left-back respectively and Josh Franklin had a brilliant debut as a striker. Well done to these boys for being talented and knowledgable enough to be able to be trusted with this!

2. Particular shout-out to Josh Franklin up front. Striker is such a difficult position to play, particularly off-the-ball. It can be gruelling to press, chase, run through, and make off-the-ball runs to create space for yourself and your teammates. Josh is a quick learner and did all these things well today and was only denied a goal by two outstanding saves by the opposition goalkeeper.

3. We haven't had Mac play for a while but he slotted back into the team so effortlessly, and put in a brilliant performance, capping it off nicely with a goal. We have missed you Mac, well played!

4. Ben Gregory is so good that sometimes I can just expect him to play well. Watching him today I realised how lucky I am to be able to watch him. Very few players have the confidence to try the flicks, tricks, rabonas, turns that he tries regularly, in case they get them wrong. I love the fact that ben has the belief in himself to play in this way every week, drawing plaudits from all who watch him.

5. Finally, Daniel Stovald, take a bow. To score 4 goals of that quality is impressive, but to have the desire to still work as hard as he did for the entire game, the be as unselfish as he was in the second half, showed how privileged we are to have him in our team.

I could go on, but you're all probably bored by now. Every player was exceptional. Again.