Heat, Hard Lessons, and Heroics

HMS Dauntless’ rugby squad embarked on a demanding tour that tested their skill, stamina, and spirit across three contrasting fixtures while deployed on Op Highmast. From the sweltering humidity of Singapore to the tactical precision of Naples and the fierce physicality of Gibraltar, the team experienced the highs of victory, the sting of defeat, and the joy of competition.

Match One: Singapore Bucks – Heat and Heart
The opening clash in Singapore was a baptism of fire—literally. Under oppressive heat and humidity, Dauntless faced the Singapore Bucks in a contest that demanded grit as much as guile. From the outset, the game was a war of attrition, with big hits and relentless carries setting the tone.

ET Alex Assherton continued his fine scoring form, crossing twice with trademark power and pace. PO Alwyn Short matched him with two tries of his own, while newcomer Bobby Dixon marked his debut in style, diving over for a memorable score. Dauntless’ attack was sharp, but the Bucks refused to roll over, responding with three tries, including a breathtaking length-of-the-field effort that sliced through Dauntless’ defensive line.

As fatigue set in, discipline wavered. Yellow cards for skipper Sam Bartlett and Antoine Paul gave the Bucks a numerical advantage, but Dauntless’ defensive steel held firm. Injuries to Jack Hammond (knee) and Jack Coppock (ribs and shoulder) were worrying signs for the tour ahead, yet the team’s resilience shone through. Tireless performances from Jacob Young and Taylor Moss underlined the squad’s depth and determination.

Result: Dauntless win
Standout Performers: Alex Assherton, Alwyn Short, Jacob Young

Match Two: Partenope – Lessons in Precision
Naples brought a different challenge: a disciplined and technically astute Italian side in Partenope. The game began with promise for Dauntless, as sustained pressure and sharp phases saw PO Alwyn Short dive over for the opening try and conversion. But missed chances—including a knock-on over the line—proved costly.

Partenope grew in confidence, their forwards punching holes and backs exploiting space with clinical precision. Three unanswered tries followed, each a masterclass in structured play. Despite flashes of resistance and improved cohesion late on, Dauntless struggled to regain momentum. Fatigue and injuries from Singapore compounded the challenge, and the match ended in a sobering defeat.

Final Score: Partenope 27 – Dauntless 7
Player of the Match: ET Alex Assherton, AB Jack Osborne, CPO Luke Savage

Match Three: Gibraltar – A Commanding Finale
The final fixture in Gibraltar was a chance for redemption—and Dauntless seized it with both hands. From the opening whistle, they played with pace and precision. ET Harry Scutt finished a sweeping move in the corner for the first try, and soon after, ET Alex Assherton began his remarkable day with a powerful score from a dominant scrum. By the time Assherton had completed his hat-trick with a sniping run from the base, Dauntless were in full control.

LET Sam Bartlett added a try after a dazzling line break, while AB Jack Osborne stole the show with a brilliant lineout interception and score. Gibraltar fought back bravely, capitalizing on Dauntless’ lapses in discipline and fatigue, but the visitors held firm. Even a flurry of yellow cards in the second half couldn’t derail their momentum.

Final Score: Dauntless 36 – Gibraltar 17

Player of the Match: ET Alex Assherton
Forward of the Match: AB Jack Osborne
Back of the Match: CPO Jack Coppock

Tour Reflections
Two wins from three games tell only part of the story. This tour was about more than results—it was about character. From Assherton’s hat-trick heroics to Osborne’s lineout steal, from Bartlett’s leadership to the tireless graft of Young and Moss, Dauntless showed courage and commitment across the continents.

There were bruises, yellow cards, and lessons learned, but also moments of brilliance. The heat of Singapore, the solid performance in Gibraltar, and the artistry of Naples combined to create a glass raising experience.

As HMS Dauntless and her team return to the UK after an extended deployment, attention now turns to recovery and reflection. Once the players have enjoyed a well-earned rest, the question remains: how far can this hard-won momentum carry them in the pursuit of this season’s Navy Cup?