Iowa Central CC defeated Iowa State 40-12 in one of the very, very few college rugby games slated for this fall.

The two teams had met in a scrimmage at the end of August (won by ICCC 23-14), and have continued to stay careful with their COVID-19 protocols, and thus were able to meet in Fort Dodge, Iowa, for the rematch. 

It was a very tight game through the first half, thanks in large part to a tenacious Iowa State defense. The ICCC Tritons led 13-0 at the break.

"Our fitness was key today. We made a lot of mistakes and committed too many penalties in the first match," said Iowa Central Head Coach Brent Nelson. "So we have been working on that the last couple of weeks. The boys really stuck to a more disciplined approach this time out."

Iowa Central controlled the ball 30 minutes out of the first 40. But the Cyclones held firm on defense and Iowa Central only notched two tries plus a penalty goal.

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In the second half, Iowa Central started to pull away. Freshman Aiden Farrell, who played his high school rugby in Wisconsin, started at flyhalf as captain Hugo Minnaar was injured, and he put in a really good day's work.

 and ball possession was 30 minutes to 10 in the first half. Iowa State was stout on defense though and only let in 2 tries and a PK (13-0 at half). We were able to pull away in the 2nd in no large part to making them play defense most of the first half. Aiden Farrell a freshman out of Wisconsin stepped in at flyhalf today for injured captain Hugo Minnaar and was really solid.

"I thought he did a great job of managing the game and showed maturity for a freshman," said Nelson. "We lost a couple of lineouts early but then got it sorted. It became a strength for us. When you're winning set pieces consistently rugby is a lot more fun."

The Iowa Central fitness also helped. Iowa State played defense most of the first half and that does sap the energy. Setting the example was captain and tighthead prop Lane Pruisner, who put in a full 80 minutes.

"I credit his work ethic and our S&C coach Miguel Secor for that," said Belson. "Tightheads aren't typically going 80 but he has kind of stopped surprising us."

Philip Woodhouse and Zavier Ellis both scored two tries, and Woodhouse was also excellent with his lineout throws. Elllis was a speedster out wide and logged several long runs, scoring twice and setting up his teammates.

The Tritons scored twice to lead 25-0 before Iowa State punched in an unconverted try. Iowa Central replied with a try from Gus Sokol, a penalty try, and a penalty goal from Farrell to lead 40-5. Iowa Central did well to intercept a pass and score under the posts to finish the game.

"It was perfect fall weather for rugby," said Nelson. "I just want to thank Coach Ant Frein, his staff, and the Iowa State players for going through strict protocols to make this match happen."