SEP 7, 2022

THE MESSENGER SPORTS STAFF

sports@messengernews.net

The Iowa Central rugby team swept Marian (Ind.) at Crimmins Field, prevailing on the A side 36-19 and taking the B match, 27-17.

Phoenix Twala had five tries, one penalty kick and four out of five conversions for the Tritons, who scored 21 unanswered after falling behind 19-15.

"It was a match of spurts," ICCC head coach Brent Nelson said. "We were up 15-5, but they scored 14 in a row on us before we took charge.

"Our guys kept fighting. This ended up being a conference match that we didn't initially anticipate, so it's good to get a win like this so early in the year. We have to keep growing and progressing."

Nelson also noted the defensive efforts of Sione Foliaki, who was "all over the pitch and showed tremendous maturity."

The Iowa Central B squad also prevailed, 27-17. The Tritons pulled away after a 17-point Marian burst in the second half.

"We're still getting the team chemistry down, given how much turnover our roster goes through every year," Nelson said. "Marian is a really solid program. This was an outstanding early-season challenge."

Iowa Central faces the University of Nebraska at 11 a.m. on Saturday at Crimmins Field. The B team takes on Wisconsin-Whitewater at 1 p.m.

Full article- https://www.messengernews.net/sports/local-sports/2022/09/tritons-sweep-on-the-pitch-2/