The Iowa Central rugby team couldn't climb all the way out of a big hole here Saturday at Crimmins Field, falling to Davenport University, 55-31.

Despite the final score, Triton head coach Brent Nelson found plenty of moments to build on moving forward by his players.

"Anytime you look ahead to something like we were with this match, it's tough to take," Nelson said. "But I was so proud of the way our kids came out in the second half and never backed down. We didn't come out flat, Davenport just was the better team at the start and took advantage of the conditions. 

"But these kids battled until the very end. When Dre'Von Strickland scored the final try, that was something we can use as momentum. Christian Stanback made a great play that showed a tremendous amount of heart, taking on a much bigger player and forcing a fumble, and that was another moment.

"So, while the final score didn't go in our favor, I'll never be disappointed when we show heart and passion like we did (Saturday) in front of a great crowd and tremendous support."

Along with Strickland's try, Andrew Thexton had two and Tavius Sykora-Matthess and Herbert Evans each had one. Aidan Farrell had three conversions. 

The Iowa Central A-side is off until Saturday, October 23 when they host Arkansas State. The B-side plays Creighton next week in Omaha.

-By Dana Becker