The Iowa Central rugby team flexed their muscle against fellow traditional power Lindenwood-Belleville, posting a 72-7 victory at Crimmins Field.

After seeing the lead cut to 13-7 early, the Tritons kicked it into another gear, going up 32-7 at the half before finishing with a flurry. 

"I was a little shocked at the outcome," ICCC head coach Brent Nelson said. "I know they are down a little this year with players leaving due to the school closing in spring of 2020. They also had a couple of key injuries, but they are a proud program and extremely well coached. I have a lot of respect for Joe (Lippert) and Lee (Abbott)."

Tevita Faleta had three tries to lead Iowa Central, with Viance Vano recording two. Hugo Minaar, Cyele Banks, Pierre Wansbury, Rhys Smith, Jayden Williams and Lane Pruisner had one each. Smith was also 1-for-2 on penalty kicks and 7 of 11 on conversions. 

"Rhys played really well," Nelson said. "His parents were here from England to visit so it was nice to see a strong match from him.

"Hugo and Pierre are really starting to get their timing figured out and their combination is going to be fun to watch going forward. Our entire forwards group deserves a nod, too; as a unit, they really dominated the game."

Nelson also noted the depth of the Tritons as being key, including the play of Jermiah Flowers, Hunter Staab, Gregor Gourlay, Damian Moala, Malachi Vantaggiato and Dakota Southworth, who is already back after a nasty cut suffered vs. Wisconsin.

"Our subs were impactful and Jermiah continues to impress us," Nelson said. "Dakota had a cut against Wisconsin that required 15 stitches above his eye. He had them taken out Saturday and was back playing again. 

"It is just really nice knowing when we call on someone, they will rise to the moment."

Both the Triton marching band and dance team helped create an incredible environment for the match by taking supporting the program. 

Iowa Central (3-0) will travel to face Davenport next Saturday with a rematch at Lindenwood-Belleville on the calendar for October.