The Iowa Central rugby team dropped a 33-16 decision to Lindenwood-Belleville Wednesday night.

Rhys Smith gave the Tritons an 18-16 halftime lead, but they were unable to post any points after that.

"We got beat in many phases of the game," ICCC head coach Brent Nelson said. "Our execution was poor and we just couldn't get momentum. We would break line and get away from support and give the ball back to them. There was no phase continuity."

Oliver Kwete "had a really nice game," Nelson said. He also added that the play of freshmen Michael Karns and Dakota Southworth "was good to see."

"Hats off to Belleville," Nelson said. "They played with pride and definitely played spirited rugby. It was their Senior Night and they just out-played us."

Smith was 3-for-5 on penalty kicks and Tony Robinson had a try off a nifty offload by Viance Vano.

"We're not going to throw baby out with the bathwater, but we need some guys to mature very quickly," Nelson said. "We don't have a lot of experience. We make no excuses but it also means we can't afford to rest."